tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75356590617100479582018-10-09T12:31:53.826+01:00 Musings from the Mind of MetalOllieMetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-46299184669660128312017-05-08T01:21:00.000+01:002017-05-09T19:11:50.632+01:00Knock, Knock.. Who’s There?<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="A Review of Season 10, Episode 4, Knock Knock"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Knock, Knock"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/logo.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"><p>Season 10 has already set a high bar with its first three episodes, establishing a strong dynamic between new companion, Bill, and the soon to depart, Twelfth Doctor. So, with the fourth episode of the season upon us, does the trend continue, or does it fall flat on its face? Well..</p><p>Bill is on the move, searching for shared student accommodation. With her group of friends finding nothing within their price range, they are approached by an elderly gentleman outside of an estate agency. His presence, as we come to discover is no accident, and with him offering them a place to stay, the group enter into a contract with the mysterious Landlord, and move into his large, old house, which holds a dark secret.</p><p>The Doctor helps Bill move house, using the Tardis as a “removal van”, something which Bill suggests he could hire out. Questioning whether the Doctor sleeps in the Tardis, an old Fourth Doctor line is neatly resurrected, as he points out that “sleep is for tortoises”.&nbsp; Rebutting the suggestion that he become a removal service. he comments upon his age, and that he is a Timelord, much to the amusement of Bill. Having mentioned regeneration, there is a swift diversion by the Doctor from the subject, and a contemplative look, suggesting some foreknowledge that his time in his present incarnation is almost over.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QrFwIKivhB4/WRBu9UW9FuI/AAAAAAAACA0/pPZR13AbXLE7BClvQ2Ihj3yy_hRmVa9kACHM/s1600-h/2eg7j0p80e51000%255B5%255D"><img width="651" height="366" title="2eg7j0p80e51000" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="2eg7j0p80e51000" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OLtu7lX6E_s/WRBu94TI62I/AAAAAAAACA4/d6yJwcmt1bcCzUq8zX1Ani3DiDNSklVDwCHM/2eg7j0p80e51000_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Before the opening credits roll, housemate Pavel disappears, and the mystery begins.</p><p>The large, draughty house fascinates the Doctor, and he soon makes himself at home; introduced by Bill to her roommates as her Grandad, or “Grandfather” harking back to the Hartnell era.</p><p>Housemate, Harry reveals his grandfather went hiking along the Great Wall of China, even attempting to steal a piece. In a deleted scene, we would have learned that his other grandparent was Harry Sullivan, after whom he is named.</p><p>Another of the students, Paul, attempts to make a pass at Bill, and again, her sexuality is brought to light, tactfully and respectfully, with the almost casual nature with which one would hope the LGBT community would be afforded by now. In fact, Paul is positively delighted to learn he never stood a chance! </p><p>With the house offering some suitably creepy creaking and groaning sounds, the group of friends speculate on whether it is the central heating, or, more wildly, a little doll that's come to life, or giant spider, both, perhaps, references to earlier stories.</p><p>Whilst the students are all well cast, Harry, in particularly, is an intensely likeable character, with a wide-eyed curiosity and a clear admiration of the Doctor. Perhaps it is the echoes of his grandfather upon whom the character is very loosely based, but I cannot help but feel Colin Ryan would make a magnificent addition to the Tardis crew.</p><p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BpO2Jf-krfg/WREdBQ4TblI/AAAAAAAACBs/hWW_etKLmBkzfeJouV0e35Q7kzT4rwSiQCHM/s1600-h/2017-05-06%2B21.36.32"><img width="333" height="640" title="2017-05-06 21.36.32" align="left" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2017-05-06 21.36.32" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z8uLYprexbs/WREdCOOt1CI/AAAAAAAACBw/wMRknKkyFFEsyz_mLPNnxjafAdNMEJubgCHM/2017-05-06%2B21.36.32_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>After Bill and co discover the Doctor in a cupboard, we get a proper introduction to the Landlord, adeptly played by David Suchet, who exudes an unsettling, and often sinister calmness.</p><p align="left">The Doctor is terrible with names, but reveals himself to be a fan of Little Mix, as, apparently, is Bill. The aspect of Bill’s life which the Doctor isn't a part of, is handled much more expertly than Clara’s casual blending of home life, teaching and occasional bouts of time travel when convenient.</p><p align="left"> It has a much more natural, refreshing quality,and with the Doctor effectively confined to Earth to guard the Vault, Bill having a life away from the Tardis is much more logical and credible.</p><p align="left">Within no time, the wooden house begins to reveal its secrets, with roach-like creatures manipulating, and emerging from, the walls.</p><p>Bill and Shireen discover Pavel trapped within the wooden wall of the house, in a not too dissimilar pose from the unfortunate Cyberman in <em>Earthshock, </em>or <em>Star Wars’</em> Han Solo, encased in Carbonite.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Doctor, Harry and Felicity find themselves trapped as the window shutters slam shut around them. Felicity manages to escape, however her fate is sealed outside the house. Pontificating on the origin of the creatures. The Doctor names them “Dryads”, a reference to Greek mythology surrounding tree dwelling nymphs.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8WZQEuzUMgw/WREd-8R-R2I/AAAAAAAACCA/KutYenDjbM4fgs9a5Wi9YKjs3JbQegCkgCHM/s1600-h/vlcsnap-2017-05-06-21h39m21s981%255B5%255D"><img width="620" height="357" title="vlcsnap-2017-05-06-21h39m21s981" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="vlcsnap-2017-05-06-21h39m21s981" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8co6p8_m0kY/WREd_4m9peI/AAAAAAAACCE/TKlcvn1hjeY1Hxh01xvMtuOdBORkwa42QCHM/vlcsnap-2017-05-06-21h39m21s981_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><em><font size="2"></font></em></p><p align="center"><em><font size="2">Exterior scenes of the house bear strong resemblance to Gabriel Chase, from Ghostlight.</font></em> </p><p>As they investigate further, Harry and the Doctor discover tenancy agreements dating back seventy years.&nbsp; The Landlord explains his “daughter” Eliza, was dying, and must survive. Every twenty years, he takes in new “tenants”, which the house absorbs.</p><p>In the tower, Eliza is revealed to be made of wood, which is a rather disappointing explanation, although this is somewhat mitigated by Bill's astute observations, which lead to the revelation that Eliza is, in fact, not the Landlord’s daughter, but that he is her son. This is a nice twist, pointed with tragedy and poignancy. </p><p>The Doctor deduces that high pitched sound awakes the insects, which, in turn, revitalise Eliza., who, ultimately sacrifices her own life, and that of the Landlord, submitting themselves to the infestation. In a final act of mercy, Eliza restores Bill’s friends. </p><p>Whilst I have been critical of lack of death during Moffat’s tenure, it feels appropriate, with the house having not yet “digested” the students.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8c1cfOSkvb4/WRBu_6PybvI/AAAAAAAACBE/V9OrWAxfTysQ92r6B3z7FEXwWOjRPMl_wCHM/s1600-h/2017-05-06%2B20.56.32%255B5%255D"><img width="647" height="445" title="2017-05-06 20.56.32" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2017-05-06 20.56.32" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cSeJHaDdEM0/WRBvAGOcuTI/AAAAAAAACBI/HCX6QX3-DLIrSOL5NVglxW1rhH6jGSKzgCHM/2017-05-06%2B20.56.32_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>No explanation is offered as to why the bugs turn Eliza into wood and eat everybody else or how their somewhat unusual diet sustains her. Similarly, how the Landlord learned that the house needed to be “fed” to keep Eliza alive remains a mystery. Perhaps, most significantly is that Eliza has&nbsp; forget ton that the Landlord was her own son.</p><p>Nevertheless. the flashbacks, and subsequent scenes of the young, and older Landlord with his mother are beautifully realised, and David Suchet positively steals the final scenes. Whilst the “wooden mother” is somewhat unsatisfying, it is more than made up for by a positively stellar performance by Suchet.<p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LGrOEe6S0ys/WRBvAh5C7YI/AAAAAAAACBM/E8b8MlaCPScGg7pXz6KsEnU35EZ_sSrqgCHM/s1600-h/landscape-1493726285-dw1%255B4%255D"><img width="639" height="320" title="landscape-1493726285-dw1" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="landscape-1493726285-dw1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LglTtbgYBrg/WRBvBNOlu3I/AAAAAAAACBQ/lQK0Qy6bsXAxghyoe-WpKrpC5KQVP77JQCHM/landscape-1493726285-dw1_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>To conclude the story, the “something” in the vault is playing the piano, and Nardole’s scenes are brief, but measured. His character has a much more refined quality, particularly with shorter interactions with the Doctor, and there is much less “<em>Little Britain</em>” in Lucas’ portrayal. </p><p>The episode is recorded in both Dolby Digital 5.1 and, unusually, 3D binaural stereo. I am a fan of both, so an episode with a three dimensional soundtrack was a tantalising prospect. Surround sound is, of course, used on all recent episodes, however, the use of binaural recording is new. At time it does veer toward “gimmicky”, with some of the “knocking” feeling rather superfluous, but ultimately it is a highly effective presentation. That said, the Dolby 5.1 track is every bit as rich and encompassing. For the technically curious, you can read how binaural recordings works <a href="https://mntn.rocks/blog/2017/3/6/what-is-binaural-3d-audio" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p>Stand out performances by Colin Ryan and seasoned actor and <em>Poirot</em> star, David Suchet, complete the episode. It is a somewhat muddled plot, however succeeds due to the rich blend of characters and tragic denouement.</p><p>Episodes with “sentient wood”, with perhaps the exception of <em>The End of the World</em> (The Forest of Cheam), never seem to fare terribly well. From their inception in <em>Mark of the Rani</em>, to wooden Cybermen, and more recently, the interminably tiresome <em>In The Forest of the Night</em>, the concept has never been particularly well realised. This story does fare somewhat better, snf although the revelation is less than satisfying, it can be overlooked by powerful, evocative performances from a superb cast.</p><p>Whilst, perhaps, not quite as strong as <a href="http://www.metalollie.com/2017/05/packing-punch-review-of-thin-ice.html" target="_blank">Thin Ice</a><em></em>, <em>Knock Knock</em> is an effective, emotive episode. It does feel somewhat rushed, and the revelations and resolution are a little lacking. Nevertheless, it scores a well deserved 8.5/10. A solid effort! </p>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-39423848334451798222017-05-01T02:18:00.000+01:002017-05-01T12:33:51.198+01:00Packing A Punch.. A Review of Thin Ice<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Thin Ice Packs A Punch!"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="A Review of S10 Episode 2, Thin Ice."> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/logo.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"><p>Following on from last weeks story, <em>Smile</em>, The Doctor and Bill pick up where we left off, gazing at an elephant cheerily wandering across the River Thames, precisely as elephants aren’t prone to doing. At the end of the previous episode, one could have been forgiven this was merely a cheap “sight gag”, however, as we will discover, it becomes an integral part of the plot.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qaCiv25sBN8/WQaSexAju4I/AAAAAAAAB_8/fCk7r4np3XcwErZKIYMdOeGIwh8bViU_wCHM/s1600-h/gallery-1493390567-screen-shot-2017-04-28-at-154553%255B5%255D"><img width="650" height="365" title="gallery-1493390567-screen-shot-2017-04-28-at-154553" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="gallery-1493390567-screen-shot-2017-04-28-at-154553" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zSvtIwgYuq4/WQaSfZNhUwI/AAAAAAAACAA/br4ub2ZeINIQq_1Nc1JCPHcxu_DtGKO_gCHM/gallery-1493390567-screen-shot-2017-04-28-at-154553_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The Tardis has landed in the middle of Regency London, at the peak of the last great Frost Fair of 1814. As an interesting side note, this is not the first time The Doctor has visited this point in history. Whilst he states this, it is not expanded upon, however those with a good memory may recall his mention of taking River Song there (<em>A Good Man Goes To War</em>).</p><p>With Bill and the Doctor leaving the safety of the console room, an ominous warning appears on the Tardis computer,, a “life form has been detected”…</p><p>Bill is initially concerned that she would be treated badly due to her skin colour, remarking that slavery was still “totally a thing”.. However, as they observe the festivities in the fair, she remarked that there were more black people present than the movies showed, with the Doctor observing that “so was Jesus.. history is a whitewash”.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n-CAfnZ7x98/WQaM0Y0iloI/AAAAAAAAB-8/Qf8K2TjXUQASLQtqCgZ7hBvN9aKb54tHgCHM/s1600-h/2017-04-29%2B20.30.39%255B5%255D"><img width="602" height="509" title="2017-04-29 20.30.39" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2017-04-29 20.30.39" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_fxyRmD2eXc/WQaM0-6B5jI/AAAAAAAAB_A/WPcL1I2TcVortXDrvInrufzqcjEYTZl1QCHM/2017-04-29%2B20.30.39_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>This is the first time that I can recall Doctor Who tackling the subject of race, and particularly racism, head on. It had been touched upon before, notably in<em> Human Nature</em>, with Martha, however was not explored beyond the occasional passing remark (one, if memory serves correctly).</p><p>The central plot of the story revolves around a creature held captive at the bottom of the Thames. This is not a new theme, by any stretch of the imagination, having been explored in <em>The Beast Below</em>, and the Torchwood story, <em>Meat</em>, however the utilisation of the creature is somewhat unusual, in as much as it is its excrement which is collected and used as fuel. </p><p>Having been robbed by a gang of street urchins, the Doctor and Bill track them down, in order to recover the sonic screwdriver, at which point the story takes a more sinister turn, with one of the children, “Spider”, being devoured by the creature. As a side note, it is refreshing to see death return to Doctor Who, where the dead have the courtesy of remaining dead, rather than reappearing at the end of the story to provide a happy resolution.</p><p>Spider’s death also gives Mackie an opportunity to further demonstrate her compassionate nature, and her, and the Doctor’s, interaction with the children is a positive joy. Twelve attempting “street talk” continues to show a more playful incarnation of the Doctor.</p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I5oTLZwqTYU/WQcZATWLmUI/AAAAAAAACAQ/OA9hZJyFghwHiBTESgxpmAIjq5-6YwwNwCHM/s1600-h/2017-04-29%2B20.48.38%255B6%255D"><img width="533" height="711" title="2017-04-29 20.48.38" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="2017-04-29 20.48.38" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y_01HnNUCHE/WQcZAzXjCOI/AAAAAAAACAU/W2o32iNZBaIrK_UpAX7FpwrAuN1HOh8uQCHM/2017-04-29%2B20.48.38_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p>There are surprising moments in the story.. The Doctor’s reaction to the delightfully odious Lord Sutcliffe, played by Nicholas Burns is unusual to say the least. Violence from the Doctor has not been seen for some considerable time, so, following a racially charged diatribe by Sutcliffe, a solid punch landed squarely on his face is unexpectedly out of character, and yet, at the same time, perfectly <em>IN</em> character. It’s a highly relevant scene and underscores the Doctor’s abhorrence toward intolerance. In less capable hands it could have made the Doctor appear “thuggish”, and yet walloping a bigot seems to come perfectly naturally to the Twelfth Doctor. </p><p>With Sutcliffe regaining consciousness, the Doctor delivers a bold, impassioned speech about the worth of a human life, which, sadly, as is often the case, falls upon deaf ears.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N3mWZKMoTt4/WQaM1282UdI/AAAAAAAAB_M/8jk2BdD8yM4YHIbkhJbNXvtZiUJZpuTcACHM/s1600-h/2017-04-30%2B11.23.44%255B4%255D"><img width="240" height="137" title="2017-04-30 11.23.44" align="right" style="border-image: none; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2017-04-30 11.23.44" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2AJJ9NMZZls/WQaM2F95TgI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/9aDgcr02WGUmqHRPxuHWShIPhxIUicN1wCHM/2017-04-30%2B11.23.44_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Capaldi is, perhaps, the finest orator since Tom Baker’s incarnation, and his speech about the value of a human progress is poignant, relevant and is, as always, delivered with utter conviction. His speech in <em>The Zygon Inversion </em>may have been have finest moment, however, this brief speech hits all the right notes. Although short, it it quite extraordinary.</p><p>The value of life is a strong theme, so far, in Season Ten, and whilst we have seen Bill’s emotions expressed on the subject, this is, perhaps, the most expressively succinct statement by The Doctor on the measure of a single, unremarkable human life.<br></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FCkPqwoHU-Q/WQaM2u1RqLI/AAAAAAAAB_U/X04EX85tJ-EtSlIbaSJFqQUpLRM5Pzf1QCHM/s1600-h/DW_EP3_1%255B4%255D"><img width="609" height="406" title="DW_EP3_1" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="DW_EP3_1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DWVoLJXhkNE/WQaM3GsiXhI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/HNd_kMKghuYgs-cpau5D8zuSd-4D-NCRACHM/DW_EP3_1_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Similarly, Bill’s discovery of the fuel burning underwater leads to a truncated “oh sh..” line, which gave this viewer a damn good laugh! Perfectly cut away, it seemed precisely in character for Bill, who is literally going from strength to strength in every passing scene. Pearl Mackie is an utterly captivating actor, convicting and is. above all, believable and intensely likeable.</p><p>Ultimately, with the aid of some wonderfully authentic diving equipment, the creature is released by the Doctor, doubtless making its way northward, to join the copious other Loch Ness monsters the show has created along the years. In the final scenes, the Tardis returns to the Doctors office, where he is greeted by a Nardole, who, aside from making tea mixed with coffee (for flavour!), is back to guarding the mysterious entity concealed behind the vault. With a whole lot of knocking going on, one cannot help wonder if something, or someone, rather masterful lurks behind the doors. It’s worth noting the Matt Lucas’ portrayal of Nardole is much more tempered and restrained in this episode, provide a pleasing blend of humour and apprehension. </p><p>The episode is beautifully directed and both scenery and costumes lend a wonderful authenticity to the Regency atmosphere. Frankly, it is a long time since Doctor Who has looked more splendid. If there is one minor criticism to be had, it is that the CGI is, at times, somewhat questionable, although not sufficiently so as to detract from the story in any way. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ErBKtlU84FA/WQccLTY9clI/AAAAAAAACAg/gcSW9TxrMOMrpITTVEucshXNSp5YdWFUgCHM/s1600-h/2017-04-29%2B20.25.27%255B6%255D"><img width="651" height="434" title="2017-04-29 20.25.27" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2017-04-29 20.25.27" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bkf4aO8E6YE/WQccL1093PI/AAAAAAAACAk/gIXv7hlfmnY7MqD8Yiijy7YnDEHGIja2gCHM/2017-04-29%2B20.25.27_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>The bottom line? Thin Ice is bloody magnificent! Yes, the plot is somewhat borrowed, and again, a little light, and I am just fine with that. Season Ten is proving that overly complex, convoluted storylines aren't necessary, and that sometimes, good old fashioned, back to basics storytelling can be much more effective. This season has had very strong overtones of the classic era, and Thin Ice is no exception. Writer, Sarah Dollard, whose last outing was<em> Face The Raven</em>, has produced a stellar story, packed with adventure and character exploration, and the episode is beautifully realised by director Bill Anderson.</p><p><em>Thin Ice</em> earns a well deserved 9/10, and is a story which will, I am certain, stand up to repeated viewings.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0cUuBqyRXhg/WQaPhW4RszI/AAAAAAAAB_s/Xm48ar6GBxcZQKPdpdvlcYOYugAh21b9wCHM/s1600-h/2017-04-29%2B20.57.53%255B5%255D"><img width="601" height="601" title="2017-04-29 20.57.53" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="2017-04-29 20.57.53" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f_gBgo53iSs/WQaPh-DlTxI/AAAAAAAAB_w/IEeveAPN-LkXlz7ds92N-UdTlUsvE42nQCHM/2017-04-29%2B20.57.53_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><font size="2">Bill (Pearl Mackie), Sarah Dollard (writer), Peter Capaldi (The Doctor)</font></p>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-58736005620665701562017-04-24T00:17:00.000+01:002017-04-25T03:25:46.655+01:00Smile.. Your Life Depends On It..!<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Smile.. Your Life Depends On It!"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="A Review of S10 Episode 2."> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/logo.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"><p>It was with some trepidation that I approached this episode. Leaving aside the fact the Emoji Robots, shown in the trailer, inspired little confidence, the episode was written by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who was responsible for the interminably tiresome <em>In The Forest of the Night</em>. Suffice to say my expectations could not have been much lower. </p><p>It was, therefore, a pleasant surprise to find myself immersed in an engaging, entertaining story…</p><p>The plot borrows heavily from <em>Ark In Space</em>, with underpinnings of <em>The Happiness Patrol</em> thrown in for good measure, however, it manages to remain original, paying homage rather than simply emulating either story.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aujYSB1ku98/WP07bksUYEI/AAAAAAAAB84/CNqpJhAHjMga8j4YFLNS0TSe1cIghW0BACHM/s1600-h/2017-04-22%2B20.31.34%255B6%255D"><img width="623" height="348" title="2017-04-22 20.31.34" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="2017-04-22 20.31.34" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ordwa0KQiAo/WP07cW4EWxI/AAAAAAAAB88/WKWf2qy2EIwKA1KLr_cYw0BpmGfPdcstwCHM/2017-04-22%2B20.31.34_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Embarking on her first “proper” trip in the Tardis, Bill’s sense of wonder and curiosity are evident from the start. She chooses the destination (the future), and she and the Doctor land on an Earth colony, which seems to have a curious absence of human beings.</p><p>The plot itself is fairly basic; the colony is constructed from minuscule robots, and ‘staffed’ by the Emjoibots, with Emojis serving as a part of human language and culture to survive into the distant future.</p><p>The concept of ‘nanobots’ attempting to ensure happiness, as a final state of mind prior to death is a solid enough concept, not dissimilar to the Chula Nanogenes from <em>The Empty Child. </em>They take lives inadvertently, in the learned belief that they are enhancing the human beings, and with no concept of death.</p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BY85xSp12Qg/WP02CvM8QBI/AAAAAAAAB8c/2v9rbO_rjfs4JTk5qxgthqTsplWS-mLqgCHM/s1600-h/2017-04-22%2B20.30.54%255B5%255D"><img width="626" height="417" title="2017-04-22 20.30.54" style="border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="2017-04-22 20.30.54" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-529dR-3O_E4/WP02C3c0IOI/AAAAAAAAB8g/ClerPf9DUjYftRh6fvaFiAbjc9BNPeCygCHM/2017-04-22%2B20.30.54_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p>Much of the first 25 minutes of the episode is spent exploring the surroundings, and is fairly light on plot, however, what it lacks in storyline, it more that makes up for in character development. </p><p>Bill is shown to be a compassionate, emotional companion, who is clearly affected by the fate of her home planet, and of the colonists. She is bold, inquisitive, and the chemistry between her and the Twelfth Doctor is becoming more and more evident as the series progresses. </p><p>The set design is particularly impressive, and there are some nice cultural references; most notably a subtle David Bowie allusion, in which the Doctor states (to an Emojibot), “I’m happy.. hope you're happy too”. It is all the more pleasing as both Capaldi and writer, Cottrell-Boyce are both fans of Bowie, the latter having written a biopic of The Thin White Duke for Danny Boyle, although the film was ultimately shelved at the behest of Bowie himself.</p><p>Unfortunately, the story is let down by a weak “deus ex machina” ending, in which the resolution is a quick wave of the oft overused sonic screwdriver. The concept of “rebooting” the robots isn't inherently bad, however, it would have made a refreshing change to see the Doctor use his ingenuity to resolve this, rather than resorting to the increasingly tiresome use of the screwdriver.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1xpKpmTcZyQ/WP6zp9qzL8I/AAAAAAAAB9o/0fp5obU6des-TSXtfKAfbTn2ElAm99IBQCHM/s1600-h/2017-04-22%2B22.39.24%255B6%255D"><img width="639" height="336" title="2017-04-22 22.39.24" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2017-04-22 22.39.24" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lAy3ZGGV7NE/WP6zqXSKd9I/AAAAAAAAB9s/oBrkGadq4HIjpn3Z6c4U2H7qbud_HFExACHM/2017-04-22%2B22.39.24_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Nevertheless, weak plot and lazy dénouement aside, Smile is a surprisingly good effort. It’s witty, engaging, funny and emotive, in all the right places. The relationship between Bill and the Doctor is developing nicely, and Pearl Mackie is making a strong, decisive departure from her predecessor, establishing herself as an ordinary, but inquisitive and compassionate human being. She is a much needed breath of fresh air to the show.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EAhue2HQXwA/WP6xR8DnX1I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/OWLxowlR79A75exDxH5YLcdxMwpbnhiHACHM/s1600-h/2017-04-22%2B22.49.17%255B5%255D"><img width="594" height="334" title="2017-04-22 22.49.17" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2017-04-22 22.49.17" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ioqssbe7IB8/WP6xSSRvtSI/AAAAAAAAB9c/WcsdbST2MxYOwjKMHBv_ORxTbu_4eaBkgCHM/2017-04-22%2B22.49.17_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>It is also worth noting that Capaldi seems to have softened considerably, although still retains a delightful abrasiveness when needed, not dissimilar to the First Doctor’s persona. He clearly has a better understanding of humans, having spent 70+ years squirreled away in a University, and yet he manages to retain his alien qualities perfectly. The scene in which his two hearts are explained is both logical and entertaining.</p><p>Whilst <em>Smile</em> is never likely to achieve cult status, due in no small part to the thin plot and cutesy robots, it is a worthy effort, and a throughly engaging episode. Given much of the story is spent exploring the colony, it could have easily been an exercise in boredom, however, the episode succeeds due to the strong character development, subtle humour and reflections of episodes past.</p><p>It is far from perfect, however is certainly worthy of the 7.5/10 I am awarding it. A pleasing story, with solid performances from all, and a cliff-hanger that is both intriguing and suitably bizarre. Well worth a watch!</p>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-25297176927953917182017-04-16T20:25:00.000+01:002017-04-16T22:12:44.254+01:00Guess Who’s Back!<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="And so begins Season 10..."> <meta name="twitter:title" content="A Review of The Pilot"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/logo.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"><p>After an absence which seems to have lasted an eternity, Doctor Who is back! And so, dear reader, are my reviews. Regular readers may have noticed that the Christmas episode, “The Return of Mysteriously Tiresome” did not get a review. Frankly, I couldn't be bothered. It was turgid rubbish, not worth of wasting time on! So, with that out of the way, let’s get down to business.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oJV9_NrbWCY/WPPdfP8OltI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/TRfk_J0BJy4/s1600-h/2017-04-16%25252010.58.34%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img width="570" height="321" title="2017-04-16 10.58.34" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="2017-04-16 10.58.34" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gw1Quiqb0NY/WPPdfvZoiNI/AAAAAAAAB7U/OgOr1pQ5Ylo/2017-04-16%25252010.58.34_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>With Clara now departed for good (we hope!), a new season brings a new companion, in the form of Bill Potts, as portrayed by relative newcomer Pearl Mackie, who wastes little time in establishing her character. </p><p>In scenes strongly reminiscent of <em>Shada, </em>the sadly broadcast Tom Baker story, Bill is attending the lectures of a mysterious lecturer at Bristol University. He has occupied a room for many years, replete with Police Box in the corner, lecturing on any subject he so desires. He is, of course, the titular Timelord. He is The Doctor!</p><p>Taking a shine to Bill, the Doctor takes her under his wing, offering her private tuition, however it isn’t long until the duo are up to their necks in trouble.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5AyJLwe9j0Q/WPPdgMLmeXI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/WeJ77Eo0Bok/s1600-h/Pearl-Mackie-Bill-Potts-Doctor-Who-136417299183202601%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img width="542" height="305" title="Pearl-Mackie-Bill-Potts-Doctor-Who-136417299183202601" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Pearl-Mackie-Bill-Potts-Doctor-Who-136417299183202601" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rLIaiQuCK7k/WPPdgTnR0zI/AAAAAAAAB7c/YYF9crbkClY/Pearl-Mackie-Bill-Potts-Doctor-Who-136417299183202601_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>From the outset, Bill is firmly established as a lesbian; the first openly gay companion to travel with the Doctor in his on screen adventures. There have, of course, been gay companions, both in print and in Big Finish audios, and established regular gay characters on screen. However as a travelling companion, this is a first for Doctor Who. And the subject is handled remarkably well. Whilst making it abundantly clear that Bill is gay, it isn't forced, nor is it crass. Moffat has a poor track record of writing LGBT content into his stories (Susan the transgendered horse, anyone?), so Bill’s sexuality is handled with refreshing honesty and realism.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WWI3UJU5-oo/WPPdg5FzC0I/AAAAAAAAB7g/_lb-kstwpqY/s1600-h/2017-04-16%25252012.46.48%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img width="593" height="334" title="2017-04-16 12.46.48" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2017-04-16 12.46.48" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2acLwsDhgus/WPPdhdS4SiI/AAAAAAAAB7k/1RKIOWqQX3o/2017-04-16%25252012.46.48_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Whilst the first 25 minutes of the story essentially sets up Bill as the new companion, it is a slow and, at times, rather boring start to the season. Beyond her sexuality and curiosity, we learn surprisingly little about Miss Potts, and even less about the plot of the story. Nevertheless, it seems to work, as Mackie captivates the audience with her debut performance. Her interaction with the Doctor is natural, and their own screen chemistry is evident. Capaldi is, as always, on fine form, and presents a softer, more seasoned Doctor, seemingly more empathetic, less abrasive, and more at ease with human beings. Perhaps the seventy years he has spent lecturing at the University have served him well.</p><p>It is a shame that we are starting to see such character development in the Twelfth Doctor now, in his final season. It feels as though his character has much more to offer, and certainly, this viewer will miss Capaldi enormously. He has been an extraordinary Doctor, and beyond the screen, a magnificent ambassador for the show. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZEBZ8VNoDlM/WPPdh9mQ7kI/AAAAAAAAB7o/6HopaPv08z4/s1600-h/Meet-Bill-2-e1461436152389-2000x1005%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img width="625" height="315" title="Meet-Bill-2-e1461436152389-2000x1005" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Meet-Bill-2-e1461436152389-2000x1005" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NnAA_962UdA/WPPdiRZQbRI/AAAAAAAAB7s/wOd1bobnclg/Meet-Bill-2-e1461436152389-2000x1005_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Back to the episode. The story centres around a mysterious puddle, which, it transpires has a degree of sentience, and seeks a pilot, which it finds in the delightfully named Heather (Heather, of course being the name of Bill Hartnell’s wife). There is clearly more than a frisson of romance between Bill and Heather, however, again, it is handled carefully and respectfully, without resorting to tokenism or crass innuendo. Unfortunately, the plot is the major let down of the episode. Whilst introducing a new companion is important, doing so at the expense of a storyline is never a good idea. The concept of sentient water (or spaceship “oil”) is a reasonable idea, unlike sentient “eye snot”. </p><p>Bill’s reaction to the Tardis is beautifully achieved, with the usual blend of comedic reaction and disbelief, however, flitting around the place, and ultimately, the universe, to escape a puddle is a wasted opportunity. It takes what could have been a reasonable episode, and turns it into self indulgent fanwank. Throwing the Tardis into the Dalek-Movellan war is utterly pointless, and wastes the opportunity to explore that period in history.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Qlm-Zb232Y/WPPdjFLU6VI/AAAAAAAAB7w/kwSVGqTh8xA/s1600-h/pearlmackie%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img width="538" height="270" title="pearlmackie" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="pearlmackie" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ww4_JU004xU/WPPdje3XrPI/AAAAAAAAB70/8vjPm1i3s3E/pearlmackie_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>There are numerous nods to the past, most, thankfully, much more subtle, such as the photos of Susan and River on the Doctor’s desk, the older sonic screwdrivers, and the explanation for the dimensions of the Tardis, which could have been neatly lifted from <em>Robots of Death</em>. And, just in case you thought you were finally rid of Clara, there’s a nod to her, as the Doctor contemplating removing Bill’s memories of their adventure.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SURSS7REKeY/WPPdkKf0veI/AAAAAAAAB74/AKyf7RAWyHc/s1600-h/135058.c794a0ee-100d-47c5-ac93-db2e97c40482%25255B4%25255D.png"><img width="576" height="319" title="135058.c794a0ee-100d-47c5-ac93-db2e97c40482" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="135058.c794a0ee-100d-47c5-ac93-db2e97c40482" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mN8TxK2jVik/WPPdk8mZ0JI/AAAAAAAAB78/QZ55lKDgbAY/135058.c794a0ee-100d-47c5-ac93-db2e97c40482_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Ultimately, the episode thrives on said fanwank, however, due to stellar performances by Capaldi and Mackie, it manages to remain entertaining and largely enjoyable. It isn’t the strongest season opener, by any standard, neither is it the strongest debut for a new companion, yet it works well enough to leave one wanting to see more of the new pairing. The episode also sets out a season arc, with a mysterious panel, seemingly leading to a door, concealed in the basement of the university. The Doctor is keen to protect it, and to ensure that the newly discovered puddle is focussed on them, rather than gaining access to what lurks inside. It’s a pleasingly subtle introduction to the season arc, and unlike the “Impossible Girl” backstory, invites mystery and intrigue rather than tedium and fatigue.</p><p>As far as we know, thus far, Bill is an ordinary earth girl, with no remarkable backstory. She is credible, feisty (God, I hate that word, but in her case, it is apt). She is clearly intelligent, curious, compassionate, and above all, believable. Having endured an increasingly tedious relationship with Miss Oswald, I am looking forward to spending time with Bill, and despite the somewhat tepid plot, I believe this has the potential to be a very good season.</p><p>Overall, ranking the episode is difficult. Were it not for Mackie and Capaldi’s performances, it would probably garner 3/10. However, their presence elevates it to a sold 7.5/10. It’s an entertaining, if unfulfilling watch. </p><p>Oh. And it has Nardole in it. Hmmm…. I’ll close the review by allowing his expression to surmise my thoughts on that!</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RzuyC0KM9GU/WPPdldkTwDI/AAAAAAAAB8A/12DTPPQk-k8/s1600-h/9901579-high-%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img width="530" height="298" title="The Husbands of River Song" style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="The Husbands of River Song" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ao0312NPuSM/WPPdlzlBeCI/AAAAAAAAB8E/To83vrFCdAI/9901579-high-_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-86615309089628347802016-10-12T01:52:00.000+01:002016-10-12T12:02:27.929+01:00A World Without Disability?<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="A thought-provoking guest post, by Karen"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="A World Without Disability?"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/dis.png"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"> <p><em>Recently, a documentary on Down's Syndrome and disability was shown on Channel 4 in the UK. It provoked a great deal of debate into the possibility of a world without disability. I have to confess, I didn't see it myself, nor was I engaged in any of the subsequent debate which occurred on Twitter. I caught up with the discussion a little later, and it was both fascinating and thought-provoking. My dear friend Karen had been much more involved in the debate, and approached me with a beautifully written piece, on the possibilities of a world without disability. It's a difficult subject, and one which she tackles bravely. All thoughts and opinions are hers; some I agree with, some not. And that's ok. Pieces like this need discussion. They need debate and polite discourse. Please enjoy, and feel free to post your thoughts in the comments section, or to chat with either myself or Karen on Twitter.</em>&nbsp; <p><strong>Some thoughts prompted by 'A World Without Down's Syndrome?' </strong> <p>Last week there was a documentary screened called 'A World Without Down's Syndrome?' I didn't see it, but it provoked intense debate on my timeline with people expressing many different opinions. It is an emotional debate and there are lots of things about it that I'm not sure how I feel. I wouldn't abort a pregnancy because it was Down's, but I strongly believe in the right to choose. It is difficult to police a system based on choice. <p>Also I think it is worth making the point that Down's isn't just about developmental issues, there are often associated heart defects. I knew someone who lost her six year old brother to a heart problem associated with his Down's. On the other side is the fact that although Down's is a spectrum, like life, most people with the condition are not very 'disabled' by it. By that I mean that not only do they walk, talk, see, hear etc, but they work, have relationships, drive cars, learn foreign languages and so on. There may not be any neurosurgeons with Down's, but how many 'regular' people are neurosurgeons? If we ever got to the point of pregnancy screening that could accurately predict academic achievement, would people abort any pregnancy that couldn't result in a neurosurgeon? That wouldn't leave very many! <p>The programme made me think about the wider issues of disability in society. I stated that surely a world without disabilities would be good. I still believe that. Some people don't want to see a world without disabilities, obviously they are absolutely entitled to their opinion, but I disagree. Please note that I am NOT advocating terminating pregnancies that will result in disabled children. I am talking about a possible future world where we could intervene to surgically prevent a disability from ever having occurred. Now I know this gets into a very murky area and the shadow of NAZI eugenicists. I am NOT saying that someone with a disability is worth less than anyone else. They are absolutely as important and they contribute to society and should be totally respected. What I am saying is that if I had a choice to be born blind or sighted, I would choose sighted. Wouldn't you? If you were pregnant at some future date and you knew they could safely operate on the foetus to prevent it being born blind, wouldn't you do that too? This is a controversial area I know and I am very sorry if I am upsetting anyone, that isn't my intention. <p>This does call to mind the episode of Star Trek The Next Generation where the Enterprise is saved because of the technology in Geordie's visor and he says if he hadn't been born, that tech would never have been developed. But it also reminds me of the ep where Riker becomes a member of the Q and grants Geordie what he knows is his greatest wish - the ability to see. Two sides of the coin neatly illustrated there by Star Trek. But I digress.... <p>It is also true to say that much disability develops later in life and isn't present from birth. We work hard to try to prevent such disabilities though and I personally think that is right. For instance we treat glaucoma to try to prevent blindness. If we think we should just let nature take its course, why do we treat illnesses? There is also a fine line between illnesses and disabilities sometimes, like with Cystic Fibrosis. <p>When cochlear implants were introduced, some people in the deaf community reacted angrily and accused those having them of being traitors. I never understood this. If their condition was treatable with an implant and they don't choose to use it, that is absolutely their choice and should be respected. It is not compulsory. But for people who do choose it, why on earth shouldn't they? I do understand that a strong sense of community developed as a result of feeling excluded from mainstream society to a certain extent. It is sad that people have been excluded and more should be done to make things inclusive, like signing and subtitling on more television programmes/films/theatre performances, more awareness of the issues etc. But I don't think having a strong sense of the deaf community should ever result in criticism of people who wish to and are able to take advantage of a new technology that can help them to hear. Why is it 'better' to be deaf? <p>It was pointed out to me (very nicely, truly) that if my mental issues had been seen before birth, I could have been terminated. I wish I had been. It isn't as though I would ever have existed, nothing would have been lost. Someone else would have been born in my place, someone for whom life wouldn't be so miserable. My life has no value to me or anyone else. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying my mum, for example, doesn't love me. She does. She would have loved another person born in my place just as much, she would have lost nothing. Me, this specific entity of me has no value. Perhaps future screening should focus on the happiness potential? If such a thing were ever to be possible, that might be the greatest application of screening. Whether or not someone will be happy is ultimately much more important than whether or not they can walk. <p>Screening in the future is likely to become much more accurate. We need to think about these issues now. I don't want to see 'designer babies.' I don't want pregnancies to be ended because of the gender or sexuality of the foetus. In China, according to the BBC, for every 100 girls born there are 119 boys, as a result of sex-specific abortion. This is incredibly worrying, but again under a system of choice, it is hard to police. <p>All these issues are difficult ones, who decides what is a 'disability' in the first place? In some circumstances I think it is pretty clear, but in others it is a very fine line. Developmental issues, for instance. Who's to say how fast someone 'should' develop? All children develop at their own speed, just because some are outside what we have considered to be 'normal' does that mean they are disabled? Intelligence varies widely among the general population, who decided where the line should be drawn that says those below it are disabled while those above it are 'normal'? Everyone is on a spectrum. Perhaps we just need to realise that and stop classifying people at one end of that spectrum as intellectually disabled? Besides which there is a lot of overlap. To go back to the programme that started me thinking about all this in the first place, there was a woman with Down's featured who spoke two languages and was hoping to marry her long term boyfriend soon. She is doing better than me on both counts. Who's disabled? <p>&nbsp; <p><em>My thanks to Karen for such an erudite, thought-provoking piece. You can follow her on Twitter </em><a href="http://www.twitter.com/karenkts11" target="_blank"><em>@KarenKTS11</em></a></p>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-37595754441554245062016-07-06T01:50:00.000+01:002016-07-06T23:03:56.008+01:00The Post-Factual World<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"><meta name="twitter:description" content="A common sense look at facts, post Brexit and more"><meta name="twitter:title" content="The Post-Factual World"><meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"><meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"><meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/eu.jpg"><meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"><p><i>A couple of days ago, a long time Twitter friend, and previous guest blogger,</i><a href="https://twitter.com/karenkts11" id="id_94f7_bfd3_167f_6c4"> @KarenKTS11</a><i>&nbsp;tweeted a post, on the logic, or lack thereof, which some people seem to possess, and how facts seem to matter little nowadays. It was such a well written piece, I asked Karen if I could share it here. It doesn't really need any comment from me, as it pretty much sums up everything to a tee. And so, I'll leave you in the capable hands of Karen..</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>________________</i></p><a name="more"></a><a name="more"></a><p>One of the biggest issues I think Brexit has revealed is that people no longer accept facts. For instance, whilst discussing the referendum with people online, a number brought up the possible admission of Turkey to the EU. I pointed out that the UK have a veto over new members, in other words even if all the other countries voted to admit Turkey, we would still have the power to reject them. They couldn't join without our consent. This is a fact that is a matter of public record and easy to check, but people simply refused to believe it. This is part of a worrying larger pattern of ignoring facts, which encompasses amongst other things creationism, climate change denial, anti-vaxxers and even genuine flat-earthers. </p><p>I think perhaps we have become too tolerant, we no longer stringently defend facts as we should. Part of this is demonstrated by broadcasters who have decided that 'balance' means always showing two sides to the story. When the story in question is politics then clearly that approach is justified. However not all statements require someone to dispute them. If something is a fact, that should be stated. If opposite opinions are shown, they should not be given equal weight, it should be made crystal clear that that opinion is only a reflection of 5% of scientists, for instance. </p><p>This post-factualism also ties in to the apparent dislike and distrust of experts. When did expert become a dirty word? As I have tweeted in the past, if I need a brain operation I want it to be conducted by a neurosurgeon, not someone with a St John's Ambulance certificate. If my car needs mending I would rather a mechanic fix it than a tailor. If there's a European football tournament, rather than choose 11 men from the local park I would rather.....oh okay, scrub that last example. ;-) </p><p>The reason we call people experts is because they know what they're talking about, they've had training and experience. Of course some experts have an agenda, no one is denying that. If someone employed by a tobacco company suddenly declares cigarettes are not bad for your health, then I doubt whether people would give that much credence. Whereas the medical profession as a body, for example, spend their time taking care of patients and have no reason to lie about the deleterious effects of smoking. Besides which we have to trust some people, some time. Not everything in the world is a conspiracy. I am not suggesting we accept things blindly, but if the vast majority of experts agree on something, then the chances are they are right. Someone said to me this week that "we don't have to take expert's advice." Well of course that is true, but if your mechanic tells you your car is dangerous and you choose to ignore them and it blows up, killing your nearest and dearest, that is hardly the experts fault. </p><p>Anti-vaxxers are a prime example of the refusal to accept facts. Now even though I fully support vaccination, I don't think it is unreasonable for people to perhaps have concerns about one vaccine or another for some reason. Some people are simply naturally very cautious or very anxious and an initial scare story continues to resonate with them, even after it is entirely and completely disproven. What is unreasonable however is to completely deny the validity of the concept of vaccination. Vaccination works. That is a fact. For example Polio and smallpox have been eradicated in the western world (and worldwide in the case of smallpox) by the use of vaccines. In the early 1950s there were approximately 35,000 cases of polio each year in the US. (In 1952 there were 58,000) In 1957 there were 2,500 and by 1965 only 61 cases. What happened between 1952 and 1957 to reduce those numbers so rapidly? In 1955 the polio vaccine was introduced. There are mountains of evidence over a period of 220 years that demonstrate that vaccination works. It is simply not reasonable to choose to disbelieve it. Some people have taken to the anti-vax lobby so strongly that it has become almost a religion. If this kind of thing goes unchecked we are going to end up back in the dark ages of superstition and rumour replacing actual scientific knowledge. </p><p>I think a large part of the reason people distrust facts nowadays is because we are so accustomed to our politicians and newspapers blatantly lying to us. We no longer know who we can trust. We have become so used to lies being presented as facts and facts being presented as lies, that we no longer have the ability to recognise a fact. More than that, we seem to doubt the very existence of facts. We don't understand that not every piece of information is up for negotiation. We fail entirely to grasp the nature of facts.</p><p><br></p><p><i>My thanks to Karen, who you can follow on Twitter&nbsp;</i><a href="https://twitter.com/karenkts11" id="id_ece4_321b_ab3_c176">@KarenKTS11</a><i>&nbsp;(and I recommend you do., she's positively lovely!). You can also read Karen's first guest post&nbsp;</i><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.com/2015/08/buckety-bloggity.html" id="id_ea03_7468_89b0_6800">HERE</a><i>.</i></p>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-87443141314873478352016-07-01T23:46:00.001+01:002016-07-03T10:52:35.382+01:00An Unusual Week<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="#Shitgibbon"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="An Unusual Week.."> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/trump.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"> <p>It's been an unusual week, to say the least..! </p> <p>Regular followers and readers have probably noticed a slight increase in my Twitter "popularity" (for want of a better word). </p> <div>It started off with a response to an <a href="https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/746272130992644096" target="_blank">inane tweet</a>, by resident Talking Satsuma with Eyes, Donald Trump, who tweeted..</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <h1></h1> <div><a href="https://twitter.com/MetalOllie/status/746296745081061376"><img title="1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Un0iCn_DdBU/V3chxoP0hUI/AAAAAAAAB2E/P9KMGzDtDZQn6GErE1fLZsFJW1Q-6DmYwCHM/1%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" width="610" height="154"></a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>As I occasionally do, I slung one of my barbed insults at the pumpkin-faced arse-cockle. Within a couple of hours I was quietly pleased that it had around 60 retweets….</div> <div align="center">&nbsp;</div> <div>What happened next was surreal, to say the least.. I don't know how it happened, whether someone famous retweeted it, or it grew organically, but over the past week, it literally exploded, with over 6000 retweets and 7500 "likes" to date. I've had something in the region of 3000 mentions on Twitter (replying to those have been fun!), it's part of a post with 100,000 Facebook likes, and it seems to have become a new moniker for the Edam-faced arse-badger.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><a href="https://twitter.com/MetalOllie/status/746296745081061376"><img title="2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UvUMsOJHDMY/V3chx3FQiFI/AAAAAAAAB2I/M0A12KgOBaAJt2EUy8BKPE65TwGeAGqnQCHM/2%255B7%255D?imgmax=800" width="551" height="460"></a></div> <div align="center">&nbsp;</div> <div align="left">Then, I became part of a meme of insults, whilst inexplicably changing nationality to Scottish, which I’m not, but given the state of British politics, I bloody well wish I was…</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CheetoFacedFerretWearingShitgibbon?src=hash"><img title="File 02-07-2016, 01 19 55" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="File 02-07-2016, 01 19 55" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l5o9E5a-eqM/V3chyFjAf7I/AAAAAAAAB2M/anNi-SrjQ04DNETUH1TK2dwegM9rarh7ACHM/File%2B02-07-2016%252C%2B01%2B19%2B55%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" width="560" height="760"></a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Ok, so that in and of itself was quite weird enough. Then someone created a poster (below) in the style of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepard_Fairey" target="_blank">Sheppard Fairey</a> created "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepard_Fairey#/media/File:Barack_Obama_Hope_poster.jpg" target="_blank">Hope</a>" poster which rose to huge popularity during the Obama campaign. </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lOfbq81bJik/V3ciE8B6VpI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/ruQ2lYf8iZ0/s1600-h/Shitgibbon%252520FINAL%252528RGB%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Shitgibbon FINAL" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Shitgibbon FINAL" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UwBTJqSFm1U/V3ciFLBhb7I/AAAAAAAAB2U/OoIWf4hl7rA/Shitgibbon%252520FINAL%252528RGB%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="584" height="915"></a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>And this is where it just keeps getting stranger.. The creator of said poster was <a href="https://twitter.com/JayLender1">Jay Lender</a>, who, I later learned was a writer and director for SpongeBob SquarePants. </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Jay then set up a <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/shitgibbon">CafePress account</a>, selling "<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CheetoFacedFerretWearingShitgibbon?src=hash">Cheeto-Faced, Ferret Wearing Shitgibbon</a>" merchandise, a percentage of which would be coming my way. I decided, given the hateful rhetoric of the weasel-haired talking testicle, that I would donate <strong>50% of my earnings to the victims of the Orlando shooting</strong>, which took place earlier in June. All well and good, until CafePress promptly shut us down, for alleged "trademark violation". </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaylender/works/22304185-shitgibbon-swag?grid_pos=1&amp;p=poster"><img title="File 02-07-2016, 01 40 05" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="File 02-07-2016, 01 40 05" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LqUOsKYPEJ8/V3ciFSIU0gI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/sg7I1EjMvug/File%25252002-07-2016%25252C%25252001%25252040%25252005%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="449"></a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>As it transpires, this worked out rather well. Many of you may have heard of&nbsp; ‘<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect" target="_blank">The Streisand Effect’</a>; the theory by which the more one pisses and moans about something, the more publicity it gains. And, again, here's where my week got even more bizarre. We were contacted by <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjXkPCrz9PNAhVhIMAKHd9hCtcQFggeMAA&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMike_Masnick&amp;usg=AFQjCNH0w4IBiWRjaiqgd3JubO9M-k9Tgw" target="_blank">Mike Masnick</a>, who offered to write an article on the takedown. You can read the full article <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160627/12155734834/cafepress-takes-down-t-shirt-calling-donald-trump-cheeto-faced-shitgibbon-saying-it-violates-frito-lays-trademark.shtml">HERE</a>. What I didn't realise at the time is that Mike runs a hugely successful <a href="https://www.techdirt.com/">website</a> dedicated for ludicrous takedowns, abuses of power etc. The publication of the article gave "Cheeto-Faced, Ferret Wearing Shitgibbon" the aforementioned Streisand Effect! Oh, and if you have heard of Mike Masnick, not only does he have a very successful website, he also coined the term "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect" target="_blank">The Streisand Effect</a>" in the first place! Yeah.. I told you it had been a weird week!</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PAo6q_zcQqI/V3cQUENdUaI/AAAAAAAAB0s/CPeV2pLqQvc/s1600-h/File%25252002-07-2016%25252C%25252001%25252038%25252008%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="File 02-07-2016, 01 38 08" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="File 02-07-2016, 01 38 08" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-96NNQhEppAs/V3cQUaQ874I/AAAAAAAAB0w/agi_lN9322I/File%25252002-07-2016%25252C%25252001%25252038%25252008_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="555" height="481"></a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Now, with over 1.5 MILLION impressions on Twitter alone, one silly tweet, directed at an even sillier little man, had gone positively stratospheric. It's been featured on USA Today, Perez Hilton (not going to be shouting that from the rooftops!), QZ.com, BarStool Sports, On Sizzle, Crooks and Liars, Reverb Press, and God only knows where else. As I said.. Streisand Effect demonstrated beautifully, and ironically with the creator of said term. I’ve gained 1300 new follwers from this, 82 directly from the tweet; the rest from my profile. Hell, some even bought the domain name below (God only knows who, or why!)</div> <div align="center"><a title="http://tinyfingeredcheetofacedferretwearingshitgibbon.xyz/" href="http://tinyfingeredcheetofacedferretwearingshitgibbon.xyz/">http://tinyfingeredcheetofacedferretwearingshitgibbon.xyz/</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2s_NdqxG3xc/V3cz0VUGIoI/AAAAAAAAB3I/cLX-sZkmflo/s1600-h/2016-07-02%25252004.15.32%25255B5%25255D.png"><img title="2016-07-02 04.15.32" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-07-02 04.15.32" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0NjLazXcsEs/V3cz0oHlOBI/AAAAAAAAB3M/hJQn-TRz5GI/2016-07-02%25252004.15.32_thumb%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="596" height="768"></a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wbtPgghVLcE/V3ciFrN0FoI/AAAAAAAAB2c/30dDBcKJQOI/s1600-h/2016-07-01%252520%2525283%252529%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="2016-07-01 (3)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-07-01 (3)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n-T2yaYQxnQ/V3ciGPiLXAI/AAAAAAAAB2g/rJFCgxERgSg/2016-07-01%252520%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="624" height="168"></a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>I'm not arrogant enough to think this qualifies me as famous, or anything even remotely resembling so. By next week, it will "chip paper"; yesterday's news, and I'll be able to claw back some of the sanity I used to possess, albeit rather lacking in the first place.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>I like words. I like playing with them, their etymology, language and trying to express myself in as colourful manner as possible. I created "<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CheetoFacedFerretWearingShitgibbon?src=hash">Tiny Fingered, Cheeto-Faced, Ferret Wearing Shitgibbon</a>"; something I won't forget for a long time. However, it would be disingenuous of me to claim sole credit. Anyone can play with words, and when it comes creating a portmanteau, it's a fairly safe bet that what you thought was a highly original insult had, in all probability, been used before. And it is so with the term, "shitgibbon", which I genuinely thought I'd created myself. Whilst I have no idea who first coined the expression, I have, subsequently found it dating back to around 2011, although I've no idea of it's popularity, either then, or now. It would be easy to claim I had created it, as my use of the term is currently dominating Google searches, but it wouldn't be strictly true (much as I thought it was). All I can say to the person who first used it is, strange minds think alike, and I hope you aren't offended or annoyed that I appear, at face value, to have swiped your expression. </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>The shop is <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaylender/works/22304185-shitgibbon-swag?grid_pos=1&amp;p=poster">BACK</a>, and selling "<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CheetoFacedFerretWearingShitgibbon?src=hash">Cheeto-Faced, Ferret Wearing, Shitgibbon</a>" stuff.. Hell, I've even bought a mug for myself, to remember that time I was famous for a week.. And buying something from, in essence, yourself, of which you'll get a chunk of cash, is a fair summation of my entire week. Surreal as all buggery! Stuff is selling quite well, I believe, so if you fancy something, grab it now, because come November, Trumpty Dumpty will be an back to being insignificant arse-cockle on the scrotum of humanity, and you'll own something with the face of an arsehole who tried to be President. If you fancy some Shitgibbon swag, you can visit our store <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaylender/works/22304185-shitgibbon-swag?grid_pos=1&amp;p=poster">HERE</a>. (Remember, 50% of my cut goes to charity, so I’m not here to make a profit.. I’d like to think that LOVE Trumps HATE)</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong><em>UPDATE</em> </strong>Along with my donation, Jay Lender, creator of the magnificent poster has advised me that he will also be donating 50% of his cash; in his case to U.S. Military Service Veterans., so get buying!</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>And perhaps there is the strangest thing of all.. Never, in a million years, would I have imagined buying a mug, with the face of a xenophobic, racist, deeply unpleasant, egotistical, tangerine-faced lunatic emblazoned on the side.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>As I said.. It's been a funny ol' week..! </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>My sincere thanks to Mike Masnick (<a href="https://twitter.com/mmasnick">@MMasnick</a>), Jay Lender (<a href="https://twitter.com/JayLender1">@JayLender1</a>), everyone who's bought our tat, anyone who retweeted it (thanks for making my mentions bloody explode!), and to anyone who just got a giggle out of it. </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>And I’m <em><strong>still</strong> </em>not Scottish….!</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><strong>Links</strong></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><font size="2">Follow Mike Masnick </font><a href="https://twitter.com/mmasnick" target="_blank"><font size="2">@MMasnick</font></a></div> <div align="center"><font size="2">Follow Jay Lender </font><a href="https://twitter.com/JayLender1" target="_blank"><font size="2">@JayLender1</font></a></div> <div align="center"><font size="2">Read the CafePress story </font><a href="https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20160627/12155734834/cafepress-takes-down-t-shirt-calling-donald-trump-cheeto-faced-shitgibbon-saying-it-violates-frito-lays-trademark.shtml" target="_blank"><font size="2">HERE</font></a></div> <div align="center"><font size="2">Buy our stuff </font><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/jaylender/works/22304185-shitgibbon-swag?grid_pos=1&amp;p=poster" target="_blank"><font size="2">HERE</font></a></div> <div align="center"><font size="2">And, if you’re completely mad, and not following me aleady, I’m </font><a href="https://twitter.com/MetalOllie" target="_blank"><font size="2">@MetalOllie aka Hamfisted Bun Vendor</font></a></div> <div align="center"><font size="2">Special Thanks to Donald Trump (</font><a href="http://www.twitter.com/realdonaldtrump" target="_blank"><font size="2">@RealDonaldTrump</font></a><font size="2">) for being a complete and utter </font><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Shitgibbon&amp;src=typd" target="_blank"><font size="2">#Shitgibbon</font></a></div> <div align="center">&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><font size="2">And a link to however bought </font><a title="http://tinyfingeredcheetofacedferretwearingshitgibbon.xyz/" href="http://tinyfingeredcheetofacedferretwearingshitgibbon.xyz/"><font size="2">http://tinyfingeredcheetofacedferretwearingshitgibbon.xyz/</font></a></div> <div align="center"><font size="2">No idea who you are, but you’re nuts! Thank you!!</font></div> <div align="center">___________________________</div> <div align="center">&nbsp;</div> <div align="center">Lastly, and completely off-topic, I’d like to dedicate this blog post to the memory of Anton Yelchin.. A warm, funny, beautiful young man, with SO much potential, taken from us, cruelly and far too soon. You will be deeply missed,&nbsp; I never knew you, nor did I meet you, but I know you had a wicked sense of humour, and were a joy to be around. Rest in Peace… x</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UkFW6cg6A1Q/V3cyp-TFOQI/AAAAAAAAB24/WGq3XFvTDpY/s1600-h/2016-06-20%25252000.35.42%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-06-20 00.35.42" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2016-06-20 00.35.42" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oidJSCbUrXQ/V3cyqV7IZeI/AAAAAAAAB28/u_Bn9vpI5tw/2016-06-20%25252000.35.42_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="484"></a></div> <p align="center"><em><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anton_Yelchin" target="_blank">Anton Yelchin</a></em></p> <p align="center"><em>3rd March 1989 – 19th June 2016</em></p> <p align="center"><em>Set Course to Eternity…</em></p> <p align="center"></p>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-29175758401582352962016-05-20T21:49:00.001+01:002016-05-25T21:37:43.557+01:00A Tribute to Jon Pertwee<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Remembering Jon Pertwee"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Looking back at the life of Jon Pertwee"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/logo.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"> <p>I was standing in the recreation room of the nursing home in which I was working at the time, on the 20th May 1996. The television was on, and the afternoon news has just started. As I passed the tea and coffee around to the residents, news broke that Jon Pertwee had, sadly, passed away at the age of 76.</p> <p>(This post has since been updated, to include the thoughts of Katy Manning, who was generous enough to write a short comment for inclusion. If you’ve already read this piece, you can skip directly to Katy’s comments <a href="#content">HERE</a>). </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7jklX601GZ8/Vz-J6T6mbfI/AAAAAAAABzU/v6RwtNzeLIo/s1600-h/2016-05-20%25252011.13.36%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-20 11.13.36" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-20 11.13.36" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4g0kM6yPy3o/Vz-J7NNQ8uI/AAAAAAAABzY/av7ZSINlsIM/2016-05-20%25252011.13.36_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="517" height="680"></a></p> <p>Some three years earlier, I was privileged enough to see him perform his autobiographical stage show, in which he recounted tales of his life, from his time at school, including Sherborne School, which is not too far from my home town, to his time in the Royal Navy. He talked extensively about his acting career, from his much acclaimed radio show “<em>The Navy Lark</em>” to television appearances, most notably <em>Worzel Gummidge</em> (complete with voices!) and of course his time as <em>Doctor Who’s</em> eponymous Time Lord, The Doctor, a role he played from 1970 to 1974.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T3K0F17jvPU/Vz-FimE1x4I/AAAAAAAAByY/qgXXIHV8TO4/s1600-h/2016-05-20%25252011.09.47%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-20 11.09.47" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-20 11.09.47" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AB82o-XhHEs/Vz-FjG702II/AAAAAAAAByc/nDEZxQb4oNQ/2016-05-20%25252011.09.47_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="753"></a></p> <p>Jon Pertwee was born on July 7th 1919 in Chelsea, London, England, the son of the famous playwright and actor Roland Pertwee, and stage Actress Avice Scholtz. His parents separated when he was young and he was raised by his paternal grandmother. Jon’s elder brother Michael Pertwee became a film and stage writer, </p> <p>Jon Pertwee was the first cousin of Bill Pertwee (who also became an actor); the actor Henry Ainley was a close friend of Jon’s father Roland and was also Jon Pertwee's godfather and Ainley's son Anthony appeared alongside Pertwee in the 1983 <em>Doctor Who</em> anniversary story <em>The Five Doctors</em> playing the role of the Master.<br><br>Jon Pertwee was married twice, he married his first wife actress Jean Marsh in 1955 (Marsh would later go on to make two guest appearances in <em>Doctor Who</em>)<em>,</em> they divorced in 1960. He married his second wife Ingeborg Rhoesa, to whom he remained married until his death in 1996. The marriage produced two children together, Sean and Dariel (both of whom followed their father in to the acting profession). Aside from his most notable performances in <em>Doctor Who</em> and <em>Worzel Gummidge</em>, <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">Pertwee also appeared in many other TV programmes including <em>Ivanhoe, The Jon Pertwee Show, The Avengers, Beggar My Neighbour, Blue Peter, Whose Baby?, 3-2-1</em> and <em>Noel's House Party</em>, Jon Pertwee was also a storyteller on 10 episodes of <em>Jackanory</em> (1966-67) and presented the murder mystery game show <em>Whodunnit?</em> from 1974-1978.<br><br>Jon Pertwee also appeared in numerous films including <em>Murder At The Windmill</em> (1949), <em>Nearly A Nasty Acciden</em>t (1961), <em>Carry On Cleo</em> (1964), <em>Runaway Railway</em> (1965),<em> Carry On Cowboy</em> (1965), <em>Carry On Screaming</em> (1966), <em>Up In The Air</em> (1969), <em>The House That Dripped Blood</em> (1971), <em>One Of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing</em> (1975), <em>The Boys In Blue</em> (1983) and <em>Carry On Columbus</em> (1992).</span></p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gMjLd0qZSbE/Vz-Fj_O8M5I/AAAAAAAAByg/M4tnJ9RqBDI/s1600-h/JonPertwee5%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="JonPertwee5" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="JonPertwee5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nhwo3MOvatU/Vz-FkG_H0mI/AAAAAAAAByk/G16jQ-71-ZY/JonPertwee5_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="619" height="411"></a><br>Jon Pertwee auditioned for and was accepted by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 1936, although he was later expelled after refusing to play a Greek wind during one of the lessons, believing it to be a waste of both his time and his father's hard earned money.<br><br>Jon Pertwee was an officer in the Royal Navy during the Second World War as a crew member of HMS Hood and was transferred off the ship shortly before it was sunk by the Bismarck, among various postings Pertwee worked briefly in Naval Intelligence at Westminster alongside future Prime Minister Jim Callaghan, it was during his time in the Navy that Jon woke up one morning after a drunken night out while in port to find a tattoo on his right arm, which was occasionally seen during his time in <em>Doctor Who</em>.<br><br>Jon Pertwee acted on Radio for many years, from 1959 to 1977. He had a long running role as the conniving Chief Petty Officer Pertwee in <em>The Navy Lark</em>, with his wartime experiences serving him well when he joined BBC armed forces Radio Comedy <em>Mediterranean Merry-Go-Round</em> in December 1945, Navy spin-off <em>Waterlogged Spa</em> followed in 1948 - among the many characters Pertwee played was the Postman, who earned his own Radio series<em> Puffney Post Office</em> in 1950, <em>The Navy Lark</em> was arguably Pertwee's greatest Radio success, </p> <p align="left">In the 1990's Pertwee reprised the role of the Doctor with two <em>Doctor Who</em> audio productions for BBC Radio; <em>The Paradise of Death</em> (1993) and<em> The Ghosts of N-Space</em> (1996).<br><br>Jon Pertwee was also a successful stage performer and appeared in many productions including <em>A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum</em> and <em>There's a Girl in My Soup</em>, Jon Pertwee also played Worzel Gummidge and Doctor Who (in <em>Doctor Who - The Ultimate Adventure</em> in 1989) on stage.</span></p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oBlirzTlPE8/Vz-FkZU70yI/AAAAAAAAByo/ohezlwY5vKI/s1600-h/2016-05-20%25252019.10.03%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-20 19.10.03" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2016-05-20 19.10.03" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-upwIb6VCHGY/Vz-FlnGV7UI/AAAAAAAABys/IL_5pUeucSs/2016-05-20%25252019.10.03_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="581" height="467"></a><br><br>Jon Pertwee made several singles and LP's, in 1972. Whilst in the role of the Doctor, he released a vocal version of the Doctor Who theme music entitled <em>Who is the Doctor. </em>In 1976 he recorded a promotional flexi-disc for Heinz called <em>The Noodle Doodle Man</em>, and in 1980 he released the single <em>Worzel's Song</em> which reached No 33 in the UK charts, Jon Pertwee also made other Worzel Gummidge singles and an album entitled <em>Worzel Gummidge Sings. </em>A further <em>a</em>lbum was also released in 1981 featuring 14 tracks which appeared in the musical stage production of <em>Worzel Gummidge</em>, with the songs performed in character by original cast members - Jon Pertwee, Una Stubbs and Geoffrey Bayldon, Jon Pertwee also contributed to and appeared on several other LP's.</p> <p align="center"></span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OHf4JNgNnVM/Vz-FsEjaHYI/AAAAAAAAByw/HHXWX-0qcIA/s1600-h/2016-05-20%25252011.21.24%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-20 11.21.24" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-20 11.21.24" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qma7RMwkNOs/Vz-Fsej6A2I/AAAAAAAABy0/MHl2wQPz_bc/2016-05-20%25252011.21.24_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="586" height="349"></a></p> <p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">Whilst I grew up with Tom Baker as “my Doctor”, my earliest memory of Doctor Who was Pertwee, and I distinctly recall the much loved Sarah Jane Smith with a giant spider on her back! It is, therefore, perhaps understandable, that his era is my personal favourite. Much as I adore Tom Baker, there is something about the Pertwee era. Confining the Doctor to earth for a significant portion of his tenure was always going to be a risk, however a stellar cast made it succeed, and excel. It gave us, all too briefly, the wonderful Liz Shaw, played by Caroline John, saw the return of UNIT, and especially the irrepressible Nicholas Courtney.</span></p> <p align="center"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ypli_RjsB-g/Vz-FsoUfqPI/AAAAAAAABy4/LNmCFtUorX0/s1600-h/2016-05-20%25252022.25.30%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-20 22.25.30" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-20 22.25.30" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ZEE6d1YT3E/Vz-FsziIvqI/AAAAAAAABy8/2EIAd_OgBeE/2016-05-20%25252022.25.30_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="299"></a></span></p> <p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">His era gave us the wonderful, slightly ditzy, and incredibly likeable companion, Jo Grant, and introduced one of the greatest arch nemesis’ the Doctor would ever face, played to absolute perfection by Roger Delgado. The combination of Pertwee, UNIT, The Master and Jo proved to be hugely popular, and has become the most viewed of my Doctor Who DVD collection.</span></p> <p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">Whilst most commonly associated with the Fourth Doctor, it is also worth remembering that The Third Doctor introduced us to the irreplaceable Sarah Jane Smith. Her pairing with Pertwee while short, was nothing short of superb.</span></p> <p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">The Pertwee era produced some exceptional stories; <em>Ambassadors of Death</em> is a personal favourite, closely followed by Invasion of the Dinosaurs. After all, who couldn’t love a story with Sarah, dinosaurs, a corrupt UNIT officer and a fake spaceship. Not to mention the Doctor attacking a Pterodactyl with a broom! <em>The Green Death</em> saw the Doctor donning numerous disguises, and afforded Pertwee the opportunity to use that wonderful, distinctive voice to great effect, both as a milkman and a maid.</span></p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kA2xUBW3bi4/Vz-FtDHq0GI/AAAAAAAABzA/aOUUxU_pVPg/s1600-h/2016-05-20%25252019.44.02%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-20 19.44.02" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-20 19.44.02" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MNFEDE-Qir0/Vz-FteRezvI/AAAAAAAABzE/B12HLOM1Yjo/2016-05-20%25252019.44.02_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="553"></a></p> <p align="left">As mentioned before, I saw Mr Pertwee perform his wonderful stage show, however, the highlight was the “meet and greet” afterward, at which I was fortunate, and privileged enough to have met him and to get an autographed photograph. It hangs on my wall to this day, and is one of my most treasured possessions.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MFWZCTrmvzo/Vz-MuIBkkmI/AAAAAAAABzk/7mcLeOSqDO4/s1600-h/2016-05-20%25252023.05.44%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-05-20 23.05.44" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-05-20 23.05.44" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iUBFSeuIdeE/Vz-MxwvfgmI/AAAAAAAABzo/KkKQxpMMQJQ/2016-05-20%25252023.05.44_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="569" height="854"></a></p><a name="content"></a> <p>I asked his companion and friend, Katy Manning, if she would do me the honour of sharing her thoughts on Jon. She very graciously did so, and I'm thrilled and humbled to add her thoughts to this post, with my deepest thanks to Katy, who has doubtless been overwhelmed with messages, tweets and requests. That she took the time to send her thoughts to me personally is something I shall forever treasure. <p align="center"><em>“Jon Pertwee was not only my leading man he was also my friend &amp; mentor . He taught me so much about our shared passion of acting past &amp; present . I shall keep those memories of our laughter friendship &amp; adventure together forever with a big smile in my heart xxx”</em> <p align="center"><em>Katy Manning (24-05-2016)</em> <p align="left">Jon was unique. A wonderful character actor, a superb Doctor, and an intensely likeable man. He will be remembered with fondness and affection, not only by me, but by the countless lives he touched. On this, the 20th anniversary of his death, I dedicate this post to him. For the smiles, the laughs, the adventures; I thank you. We all thank you. And above all, we love and miss you. Our Doctor. Our scarecrow. Our Jon…</p> <p align="center"><b>John Devon Roland "Jon" Pertwee</b> (7 July 1919 – 20 May 1996)<br>Ad Astra<br></p></span>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-25144175064303841612016-03-18T20:14:00.001+00:002016-06-14T22:41:22.751+01:00Artistic Musings<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Artistic Musings - Interview With An Artist"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/logo.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2">Twitter is a wonderful medium, and through it, I have had the pleasure of “meeting” so many new friends, all with varied interests. Of course, my big passion is Doctor Who, through which I've forged many friendships, on and off of social media. Over the past few months, I've got to know and respect a fellow fan, and an incredibly talented artist, whose ability and talent belies his age. At just 17, his artistic capabilities are quite extraordinary, and so it was a pleasure when he agreed to do an interview for my little corner of the blogosphere.</p> <p>I'm incredibly proud to be able to showcase some of his work here. All art featured is available for purchase, in a variety of formats, and the pictures link directly to his sales page. I hope you enjoy looking at his extraordinary body of work, learning a little about his creative processes, and so, in the words of The Ninth Doctor, and the title of the first image.. Do you want to come with me? <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2" align="center"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/17172323-doctor-who-do-you-want-to-come-with-me?p=art-print&amp;ref=artist_shop_grid" target="_blank"><img title="Do You Want to Come With Me watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Do You Want to Come With Me watermarked" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r1nDH2ME6L8/VuxhZoFvYFI/AAAAAAAABwY/lybCRVi8vT4/Do-You-Want-to-Come-With-Me-watermar.png?imgmax=800" width="652" height="502"></a></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>Firstly, tell us a little about yourself. </em></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">Well, I'm Sam Richard Bentley. I'm 17 years old, and currently a student studying Graphic Design at college in Hertfordshire.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>When did you first discover you had an aptitude for art? </em></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">I've always loved drawing and colours, from a very young age. You know, I was one of those kids who hated it when other kids didn't colour in the lines of the colouring books? I've always had quite a passion for being creative.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2">&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><em><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">I've come to know you through a shared love of Doctor Who. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">How long have you been a fan, and which eras do you enjoy most?</span></em><span style="font-weight: bold; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/17172387-doctor-who-night-of-the-doctor" target="_blank"><img title="Night of the Doctor watermakred" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 21px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Night of the Doctor watermakred" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z5Te5SzuGpI/Vuxhae-6omI/AAAAAAAABwc/xOLu4HNTGks/Night-of-the-Doctor-watermakred23.png?imgmax=800" width="200" align="left" height="292"></a>Well, like many teenagers I became a fan of the show when it returned in 2005 with Christopher </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">Eccleston</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">. I have very vivid memories of watching the first episode 'Rose', and being completely petrified of the </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">Autons</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">! So, my father stopped me from watching it for a while. </span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">Ironically, it was with the episode 'The Empty Child' that my dad allowed me to start watching again - possibly one of the scariest, and most tense stories in the shows history! But, alas, by the end of part one, I was hooked.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">I was only 7 when the show was picked back up, so I really have grown up with the show. However, I eventually looked into the classic stories, </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">Hartnell</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"> through to McCoy and </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">McGann</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">. And I fell in love - possibly even more so than I loved the modern series. </span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">I have a real, true, undying love for the Who of the late 80s </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">though</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"> - the Colin and Sylvester years! That's my favourite era, hands down. But, I do love the late 60s as well, with Patrick </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">Troughton</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"> and Frazer Hines, amongst others.</span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2" align="center"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/17172647-doctor-who-the-happiness-patrol" target="_blank"><img title="The Happiness Patrol watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="The Happiness Patrol watermarked" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y7NZLdEJCh0/VuxhaooSw4I/AAAAAAAABwg/8Fi7EldCiTg/The-Happiness-Patrol-watermarked6.png?imgmax=800" width="468" height="683"></a></span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>How do you come up with your ideas for your pieces? They are incredibly creative!</em>&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">To be honest with you, I don't really have much of an answer to give here. Essentially I just take something I love, whether it be a Doctor Who </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">episode or theme, or maybe a film or other show I love and feel inspired by, and just play around with my thoughts until something comes up.</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">I do sometimes go in with an idea of a design, but more times than none the end piece is not quite what I had in my head originally, though I often find I'm much happier with it.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/16679414-doctor-who-an-unearthly-child?c=273404-doctor-who" target="_blank"><img title="An Unearthly Child watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 13px 0px 17px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="An Unearthly Child watermarked" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4mpraxExUhE/VuxhbVscVgI/AAAAAAAABwk/YWZJq6BbNJM/An-Unearthly-Child-watermarked12.png?imgmax=800" width="242" align="right" height="361"></a><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>You create a variety of artwork, besides Doctor Who. Can you tell us which other subjects you work on?</em>&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">I am really inspired by film and television - in fact, it's my favourite thing. So, on my portfolio, you'll see work from... 'Back to the Future', to 'Game of Thrones', to 'The Wizard of Oz'! Sometimes, I'll watch something, and go 'Oh! Now I have an idea for that... quick let me see if I can get some images together...' </span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>It's evident that you have a particular passion for the Seventh Doctor era; what is it about it that you enjoy so much.</em>&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">Hah! I get asked this a lot. I just love it, you know? I don't know if it's because I love the 1980s, or what - but I just adore those three years that McCoy held the top-billing for the show. </span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">It's so colourful, so whacky and barmy . Some call it cheap - which is was. However, I would never said that was a bad thing, not at all. I think they did a fantastic job, for what they were given. If you put into context the behind-the-scenes hassles they had, given that the show was coming to an end against their wills and wants, it's some truly brilliant work.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">Oh, and don't get me started on how fantastic Sylvester McCoy's Doctor and Sophie </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">Aldred's</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"> Ace are. </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">If I started on that, we'd be here for </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">eternity</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">.</span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/17172613-doctor-who-time-will-tell-it-always-does-version-4?p=sticker&amp;ref=artist_shop_grid" target="_blank"><img title="McCoy Cream watermarked 1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="McCoy Cream watermarked 1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vRPFOHDEe6U/VuxhcP2RD8I/AAAAAAAABwo/tBLT_8UWaEk/McCoy-Cream-watermarked-17.png?imgmax=800" width="595" height="441"></a></span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px">How long does a digital piece of artwork take to create, and w</span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px">hat </span></em><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px"><em>software do you use?</em>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">I use a free-to-download software called GIMP. I couldn't afford Adobe Photoshop when I started doing this - so I searched on Google and found this alternative. And, while I now do have the full Adobe program, well, I just can't turn my back on </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">ol</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">' GIMP - it's what I'm used to.</span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">A piece can take up to one to two hours, excluding any breaks and thinking time. That's, possibly, why I love making digital art - it's really rather quick.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/17172832-doctor-who-terror-of-the-zygons?c=273404-doctor-who" target="_blank"><img title="Terror of the Zygons watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 8px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Terror of the Zygons watermarked" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LGDBsvrtg2o/VuxhciygTOI/AAAAAAAABws/9mD3kZ0EU8s/Terror-of-the-Zygons-watermarked6.png?imgmax=800" width="280" align="right" height="417"></a></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>As well as the digital medium, you also create hand drawn, original pieces. Do you have a preference for a particular medium?</em>&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">I don't draw as much as I used to - I used to do nothing BUT draw. Hours and hours I'd spend in my bedroom, drawing. Pencils, and the occasional pens, used to be my main way of expressing myself. But, since taking up digital art, I've not really felt the need or want to draw. However, on my portfolio there are lots of my drawings and I have no plans of removing them just yet - it's still a talent I am very proud of.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>Are there any artists which particularly inspire you?</em>&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">I've always loved the work of Vincent van Gogh and Andy Warhol - two big names, I know. I often say them, when asked similar questions, and people rather... nod along. 'Oh yes, yes I know, yes we all love them.'</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">But in recent years, I found lesser known artists that I just adore - such as Will Brooks, who has done the occasional artwork for Big Finish's Doctor Who audio range. Or Lee Binding, who does some of the best Doctor Who promotional artwork of recent years.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2" align="center"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/18004012-doctor-who-face-the-raven" target="_blank"><img title="Series 9 - Episode 10 - Face the Raven watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Series 9 - Episode 10 - Face the Raven watermarked" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ezab6KqpxPo/VuxhdTxY8HI/AAAAAAAABww/TFUdcEL9Fz4/Series-9---Episode-10---Face-the-Rav.png?imgmax=800" width="448" height="654"></a></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/14503512-doctor-who-old-colours-new-daleks?c=273404-doctor-who" target="_blank"><img title="Dalek Time Invasion" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Dalek Time Invasion" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L0bMYE-NUd0/VuxheHoSK4I/AAAAAAAABw0/_nGFts9z9Yg/Dalek-Time-Invasion7.png?imgmax=800" width="650" height="491"></a></span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>What is the long term goal for you? A career in artistic design seems a natural next step, but is there a particular company you would like to design for?</em>&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">I'm not sure if I want to work for any particular companies, to be honest. I'm still rather figuring it all out at the moment. I mean, what I truly want to do is get the licenses to be able to print some of my designs myself (for example, I cannot sell any of my Back to the Future, Star Wars of Marvel designs on </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">public hosting services</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">). The goal is to be a freelance artist - get commissions, sell my designs and just do what I love! </span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/18002895-doctor-who-unit?c=273404-doctor-who" target="_blank"><img title="UNIT watermakred" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="UNIT watermakred" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zmTbRgVaEX0/VuxhemGmUwI/AAAAAAAABw4/EAN2om5wuLI/UNIT-watermakred11.png?imgmax=800" width="548" height="799"></a></span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>I've picked two favourite pieces of yours; The UNIT piece (above) appeals immensely to my passion for the Pertwee era, and the Series 9 Zygon inspired piece (below) that has an extraordinary three dimensional quality which I love! Those are my personal favourites.. Do you have a piece which you would call yours?</em></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/18004272-doctor-who-the-zygon-inversion" target="_blank"><img title="Series 9 - Episode 8 - The Zygon Inversion watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Series 9 - Episode 8 - The Zygon Inversion watermarked" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RBcIgHjCays/VuxhfQFSMFI/AAAAAAAABw8/vU0UwbfeMkY/Series-9---Episode-8---The-Zygon-Inv.png?imgmax=800" width="525" height="747"></a></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">Oh my - that's a hard one, I must say. I hate to sound ostentatious, but I am so proud of a lot of my work, that it is simply impossible to choose. </span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">However, earlier this year I got a lot of high praise for a collection of designs I made. Twelve pieces, one for each Doctor, showcasing a prominent companion of that incarnation. I got some very high praise for it from the companions I used in the pieces - Frazer Hines, Katy Manning, Sophie </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">Aldred</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">. I must say, they are probably the pieces I am most proud of.</span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2" align="center"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/16679488-doctor-who-the-highlander?c=273404-doctor-who" target="_blank"><img title="Companions - 2 - The Highlander watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Companions - 2 - The Highlander watermarked" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N18HVn5yqQo/VuxhgKC1GcI/AAAAAAAABxA/Ey-pUrhMajg/Companions---2---The-Highlander-wate%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="429" height="631"></a></span></span></p> <p><strong><em>Sam, it's been a pleasure chatting with you, and I'd like to thank you for taking the time to share your work and passion with us!</em></strong> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/17172387-doctor-who-night-of-the-doctor" target="_blank"><img title="Night of the Doctor watermakred" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Night of the Doctor watermakred" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pFAB7Ooidmc/VuxhggOACVI/AAAAAAAABxE/cNPW7Ep7lKI/Night-of-the-Doctor-watermakred32.png?imgmax=800" width="217" height="317"></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/16679383-doctor-who-always-running" target="_blank"><img title="Always Running watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Always Running watermarked" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lTvFdc2U1bo/VuxhhALwkQI/AAAAAAAABxI/g1Z9CoHUpzw/Always-Running-watermarked35.png?imgmax=800" width="217" height="317"></a> <p>You can follow Sam on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/SamRBentley"><strong>@SamRBentley</strong></a> and can view his portfolio <a href="http://samrichardbentley.wix.com/samrichardbentley" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </p> <p><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/18003661-doctor-who-no-sir-all-thirteen" target="_blank"><img title="No Sir All Thirteen watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="No Sir All Thirteen watermarked" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2npeoiUiVsk/VuxhhysR2xI/AAAAAAAABxM/88ObGMpZQQY/No-Sir-All-Thirteen-watermarked10.png?imgmax=800" width="548" height="799"></a></p>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-84382822807098717022016-03-14T02:47:00.000+00:002016-03-14T14:09:21.433+00:00Blu Daleks!<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="An in depth look at the 1960's Dalek film bluray releases"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Blu Daleks!"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/logo.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rK9rB1w3U7A/VuazPNCLeoI/AAAAAAAABvA/RLBFpzOe6_E/s1600-h/dr-who-and-the-daleks-zavvi-exclusive-limited-edition-steelbook-bild-news-2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="dr-who-and-the-daleks-zavvi-exclusive-limited-edition-steelbook-bild-news-2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="dr-who-and-the-daleks-zavvi-exclusive-limited-edition-steelbook-bild-news-2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2iIqCY3uHbY/VuazPumCSJI/AAAAAAAABvE/N57CpVrfgPw/dr-who-and-the-daleks-zavvi-exclusive-limited-edition-steelbook-bild-news-2_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="303"></a> <p>A recent purchase has given me the perfect opportunity for Doctor Who review. Or rather, <strong>Dr</strong> Who review! I recently picked up the Peter Cushing Dalek films, on bluray, and housed in rather beautiful “steel book” cases. <p>I'm not going to focus too heavily on plots etc. Chances are, you've seen the films. You know what they are. I will, of course, venture forth my opinion on each one, but the review is primarily about the blurays themselves, rather than the films. <p>So, let's deal with the films first. Both are, in essence, remakes of the Hartnell stories, ‘The Daleks’ and ‘The Dalek Invasion of Earth’. It's easy to write them off as “cash ins” on the success of the prevalent Dalekmania of the 1960’s, however, there is much to enjoy with each film. <p><strong><em>Dr Who and the Daleks </em></strong> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sBavsvJkFE4/VuazQJXadFI/AAAAAAAABvI/dV3qwA-jivs/s1600-h/8129_20_large%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="8129_20_large" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="8129_20_large" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rTbPggsdzFA/VuazSFlFqLI/AAAAAAAABvM/u8xDl6FqJpM/8129_20_large_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="607" height="370"></a> <p>The greatest strength of the first film, and by consequence, the second, lies in the casting of Peter Cushing. His Doctor bears many similarities to Hartnell, although is a much softer, less abrasive character. Portrayed as human, and named ‘Dr Who’ (something I will never get used to!), his character is a joy to watch. Jennie Linden plays a competent Barbara, with a young Roberta Tovey as Susan. Both fair well, although Tovey, due, perhaps, to her age, has a tendency to be mildly irritating. <p>Perhaps the oddest casting is that of Roy Castle. Don't misunderstand me; I like Castle immensely, however his portrayal of Ian is bewildering, to say the least. Gone is the competent, resourceful, stoic character of the television series, only to be replaced by a bumbling, inept parody of the role, who spends half the movie channelling the spirit of Stan Laurel. I understand the film needed a comic element, but it does border on silly at times, and serves to add little to the proceedings. <p>The Daleks look rather splendid, and I would imagine seeing them, in colour, on the big screen, would have terribly exciting at the time. Sadly, they are somewhat underused, slow and lacking in menace. They are rather fond of lava lamps, which, I'm sure at the time looked futuristic and alien. Nowadays, however, as set design goes, it does look distinctly dated. <p>Similarly, the Thals look decidedly camp, although credible performances, particularly from Barrie Ingham, as the Thal leader, Alydon, does much to assuage this. <p>Condensing a seven part story into an 80 minute film is not an easy thing to do, however, the film largely succeeds, and covers all of the main aspects of its televisual counterpart. It's a fun, but ultimately, fairly disposable film, which, even given the short running time does occasionally feel rather slow and stagnant. <p><strong><em>Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 AD. </em></strong> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tcFBjoO-5FU/VuazVfJkhmI/AAAAAAAABvQ/1312DTU9Y2Y/s1600-h/8164_20_large%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="8164_20_large" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="8164_20_large" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z1EV2wEaHjY/VuazYPxfo-I/AAAAAAAABvU/BdzHYii3VQc/8164_20_large_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="607" height="379"></a> <p>With Cushing retaining the role as the Doctor, and Tovey as Susan, the eponymous hero is now joined by his niece, Louise, played by Jill Curzon, and the delightful Bernard Cribbins, who would, of course, go on to win the hearts of every Doctor Who fan with his sublime performance as Wilfred Mott, some 40 years later. The film benefits from an exceptionally strong supporting cast, with performances from Hammer Films’ Andrew Keir, and an early outing for Doctor Who stalwart, Philip Madoc, who appeared in four stories in the television series. <p>The Daleks are much more uniform, and have a sinister quality which was somewhat absent in their first big screen appearance. Special effects are, frankly, magnificent, particularly given the films budget of under £300,000. The Dalek ships look stunning, even by today's standards, and whilst the occasional wire is visible, they move smoothly and effectively. <p>Humour is much more refined, and whilst Cribbins’ portrayal of Tom Campbell has a moderately comedic undertone, most notably in the ‘dance of the Robomen’, it is subtle enough not to be too distracting from the storyline. <p>Originally, it was intended that the Dalek guns would fire flames, however, this was felt to be too frightening for young audiences, and so the effect was replaced with a gas. In hindsight, and with the later parallels to the Nazis, the effect is surprisingly chilling, echoing the use of the gas chambers from the Holocaust. The allusion was almost certainly unintended, but works remarkably well. <p>Set design and the shots of a desolate countryside and a decimated London city are effective and haunting. <p>It is a rare phenomenon that a sequel bests the original film, however, I firmly believe that ‘Invasion’ is a far superior film. It has a more refined humour, considerably better storyline, a great deal more action, superb special effects and holds up well against the ravages of time. <p>And so, to the blurays themselves.. <p><strong><em>Dr Who and the Daleks </em></strong> <p>Full technical specifications are listed below my comments on each bluray. <p>Presented in full 1080p, Dr Who and the Daleks is a considerable upgrade from the DVD edition. There have been concerns about the transfers of the two films, and not without good reason. There have been some, notably the dual pack edition, which have had decidedly mediocre transfers. Fortunately, the Studio Canal releases do not suffer the same fate. <p>Picture quality is, it must be said, somewhat variable. For 80% of the film, it looks stunning, however, there are areas where colours seem a little muted and lacklustre. It is particularly prevalent in darker scenes, where the contrast seems a little off balance. Blacks are not as sharp as they could be, and the picture has an occasional softness which is inconsistent with the majority of the transfer. <p align="center"><em><strong>DVD Comparison Screen Capture</strong></em> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ClHlZNhxCY/VuYs1uEyzzI/AAAAAAAABs8/94AyASJissI/s1600-h/dvd%252520dalek2%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="dvd dalek2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="dvd dalek2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5WXABGkVjpc/VuYs2FPdU1I/AAAAAAAABtA/rdekSZsngm8/dvd%252520dalek2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="269"></a></p> <p align="center"><em><strong>Bluray Screen Captures</strong></em><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HF9MeTD5h9E/VuYs2ZWWtqI/AAAAAAAABtE/Kq612TdVCVg/s1600-h/8129_6_large%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="8129_6_large" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="8129_6_large" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wu0AwIlYkIo/VuYs21jAiwI/AAAAAAAABtI/2lMTybfVf7Q/8129_6_large_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="552" height="329"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7FTFNt-inPg/VuYs3duforI/AAAAAAAABtM/izasx5N6a88/s1600-h/8129_9_large%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="8129_9_large" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="8129_9_large" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zwxRXI5uawA/VuYs33AmXqI/AAAAAAAABtQ/NG03X9UdhI4/8129_9_large_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="561" height="334"></a> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HHyXOssIvyw/VuYs4QBamTI/AAAAAAAABtU/CeaIlkvjQ_E/s1600-h/8129_3_large%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="8129_3_large" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="8129_3_large" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZACOMNfzWpY/VuYs4wTDQpI/AAAAAAAABtY/kSU2w1_td3I/8129_3_large_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="564" height="336"></a> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z3ny1G41RnU/VuYs5Axfc6I/AAAAAAAABtc/qcDDuNAUTM8/s1600-h/8129_5_large%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="8129_5_large" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="8129_5_large" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uV4H6w3UJ8Y/VuYs5tkXf4I/AAAAAAAABtg/Iiv_fkzVn3E/8129_5_large_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="328"></a> <p>The audio is presented in LPCM (linear pulse-code modulated) dual mono, and is clear, crisp and effective. Those hoping for a 5.1 or DTS audio upscale will be left wanting, however, from a personal perspective, whilst surround sound adds much to a presentation, as a purist, I prefer the original audio track. As a side note, when played on an amplifier/receiver with Dolby Pro Logic II or DTS-Neo 6, the audio is well distributed, sharp and punchy. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend listening as the director intended. <p>Extras are very well served, with an audio commentary by Jennie Linden and Roberta Tovey, two short interviews, the trailer and a couple of interviews. The highlight, however, is the inclusion of ‘Dalekmania’ the 1995 documentary, originally released on VHS. It is presented in Standard Definition; unsurprising, as it was originally shot on video, however with a running time of almost an hour, it is an exceptionally welcome addition to the bluray, and is both informative and entertaining. <ul> <li><font size="2">Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1</font> <li><font size="2">Video Codec: AVC/MPEG-4</font> <li><font size="2">Resolution: 1080p/24 (24Hz)</font> <li><font size="2">Audio Codec: English LPCM 2.0 Mono (48kHz/16-bit)</font> <li><font size="2">Subtitles: English SDH</font> <li><font size="2">Subtitles Color: White</font> <li><font size="2">Region: B (Region-Locked)</font> <li><font size="2">Certificate: U</font> <li><font size="2">Discs: 1 (1 x Bluray)</font> <li><font size="2">Digital Copies: N/A</font> <li><font size="2">Run Time: 79 Mins.</font> <li><font size="2">Studio: StudioCanal</font> <li><font size="2">Bluray Release Date: May 27, 2013</font> <li><font size="2">List Price: £19.99</font></li></ul> <p><font size="2"><strong>BONUS FEATURES</strong></font></p> <ul> <li><font size="2">Audio Commentary with Jennie Linden and Roberta Tovey</font> <li><font size="2">Dalekmania (1.33:1l SD/PAL; 00:57:30)</font> <li><font size="2">Restoring Dr. Who and the Daleks (1.78:1; 1080i/50; 00:08:26)</font> <li><font size="2">Interview with Gareth Owen (1.78:1; 1080i/50; 00:07:41)</font> <li><font size="2">Stills Gallery (1080p/24; 00:02:12)</font> <li><font size="2">Trailer (2.35:1; 1080i/50)</font></li></ul> <p><strong><em>Daleks Invasion Earth 2150 AD. </em></strong> <p>Once again, the main presentation is in 1080p/24hz. However, it is fair to say that in terms of picture quality, ‘Invasion’ fairs considerably better than its predecessor. The images are sharp, colourful and evocative of the Sixties Technicolor era. Natural grain has been retained; something to be lauded, as digital removal often leaves the picture with an unpleasant, “waxy” effect. <p align="center"><em>Bluray Screen Captures</em><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YsA9rN-JeKs/VuYs6ou4W9I/AAAAAAAABts/BdPp7yF5HH8/s1600-h/8164_1_large%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="8164_1_large" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="8164_1_large" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tjb8VoojaTk/VuYs6wQc8tI/AAAAAAAABtw/Yq3bXrfBOa8/8164_1_large_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="315"></a> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OE6gA1xauTw/VuYs7Xck1UI/AAAAAAAABt0/3sa9m_5h0JU/s1600-h/8164_5_large%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="8164_5_large" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="8164_5_large" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SQibBER3aB4/VuYs7gZ4HbI/AAAAAAAABt4/5NMR-NSoTpI/8164_5_large_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="549" height="327"></a> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6DvfNy-7KL4/VuYs8Ev2cXI/AAAAAAAABt8/SCfwmMeQC00/s1600-h/8164_18_large%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="8164_18_large" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="8164_18_large" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lIMQV85WOxs/VuYs8oFoCuI/AAAAAAAABuA/zF-8aPMJjLo/8164_18_large_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" height="322"></a> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R8_SDy4xgzk/VuYs811529I/AAAAAAAABuE/gZbm6MDKJzQ/s1600-h/8164_4_large%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="8164_4_large" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="8164_4_large" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nKR46FiWBeQ/VuYs9apLXjI/AAAAAAAABuI/aoPL_TU-0WI/8164_4_large_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" height="322"></a> <p>On the audio side, I refer you to my comments on ‘Dr Who and the Daleks’; the audio quality differs little, although is perhaps a little more taut, with a slightly stronger bass. <p>Extras are less well served, with approximately 15 minutes of interviews, a stills gallery and a trailer. <ul> <li><font size="2">Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 </font> <li><font size="2">Video Codec: AVC/MPEG-4 </font> <li><font size="2">Resolution: 1080p/24 (24Hz) </font> <li><font size="2">Audio Codec: English LPCM 2.0 Mono (48kHz/16-bit) </font> <li><font size="2">Subtitles: English SDH </font> <li><font size="2">Subtitles Colour: White </font> <li><font size="2">Region: B (Region-Locked) </font> <li><font size="2">Certificate: U </font> <li><font size="2">Discs: 1 (1 x Bluray) </font> <li><font size="2">Digital Copies: N/A </font> <li><font size="2">Run Time: 81 Mins. </font> <li><font size="2">Studio: StudioCanal </font> <li><font size="2">Bluray Release Date: May 27, 2013 </font> <li><font size="2">List Price: £19.99 </font></li></ul> <p><font size="2"><strong>BONUS FEATURES</strong></font></p> <ul> <li><font size="2">Restoring Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1.78:1; 1080i/50; 00:07:11) </font> <li><font size="2">Interview with Bernard Cribbins (1.78:1; 1080i/50; 00:04:02) </font> <li><font size="2">Interview with Gareth Owen (1.78:1: 1080i/50; 00:04:08) </font> <li><font size="2">Still Gallery (1080p/24; 00:01:36) </font> <li><font size="2">Trailer (2.35:1; 1080i/50)</font> </li></ul> <p><strong>To conclude, let's give some scores on the Tardis doors.. </strong> <p><strong><em>‘Dr Who and the Daleks’ </em></strong> <ul> <li>The Film. 6/10 <li>Picture Quality. 7.5/10 <li>Audio. 8.5/10 <li>Extras 10/10 </li></ul> <p><strong><em>‘Daleks Invasion Earth 2150AD’</em></strong> <ul> <li>The Film. 8/10 <li>Picture Quality. 9/10 <li>Audio. 8.5/10 <li>Extras 4/10 </li></ul> <p>Lastly, I cannot finish without commenting on the packaging. Available in standard clamshell format, the artwork is stylish and effective, however for those looking for a collectable piece of memorabilia, the steel book editions are absolutely glorious! The artwork is stunning and capture the essence of the 1960’s to perfection. I highly recommend them over the standard releases. They make a fine addition to any collection. <p align="center"><em><strong>Standard Packaging</strong></em> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W8vIUg8ct8I/VuYs93u4QjI/AAAAAAAABuM/fVAK1LtuNlw/s1600-h/71LXggNZxgL._SL1059_%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="71LXggNZxgL._SL1059_" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="71LXggNZxgL._SL1059_" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0CiS8KZ_I3U/VuYs-SRNE3I/AAAAAAAABuQ/htf4LMd1hko/71LXggNZxgL._SL1059__thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="247" height="295"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mxId_bT8gp8/VuYs-xpxa3I/AAAAAAAABuU/BAAz0lNhZeA/s1600-h/819XwIK2buL._SL1500_%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="819XwIK2buL._SL1500_" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="819XwIK2buL._SL1500_" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--J_YSg92_30/VuYs_eJZxlI/AAAAAAAABuY/VI0kQY_j4y0/819XwIK2buL._SL1500__thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="251" height="294"></a> </p> <p align="center"><em><strong>Limited Edition Steel Books</strong></em></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">Steel Book images are photographs of my own copies, still in cellophane, and really do not do them justice!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H-bCzJKJn88/Vua4g6C0ZKI/AAAAAAAABvo/bfkG5ip299c/s1600-h/2016-03-05%25252012.21.12%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-03-05 12.21.12 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-03-05 12.21.12 (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--nKOLw1b2rk/Vua4hX3tYqI/AAAAAAAABvs/SY7rVJjkyYw/2016-03-05%25252012.21.12%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="539"></a> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XRZOG78OU_U/Vua4hpniVZI/AAAAAAAABvw/wEYIueakAng/s1600-h/2016-03-05%25252012.21.35%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-03-05 12.21.35 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-03-05 12.21.35 (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kqP7hVmr1zE/Vua4jZSgETI/AAAAAAAABv0/q-5vhhg4vrU/2016-03-05%25252012.21.35%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="559"></a> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UmXgs2epIwk/Vua4j650WaI/AAAAAAAABv4/IuQ8J7VZTLo/s1600-h/2016-03-05%25252012.21.20%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-03-05 12.21.20 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-03-05 12.21.20 (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RtGof4Bs-n4/Vua4kLaUSmI/AAAAAAAABv8/6si_ZtUQyWc/2016-03-05%25252012.21.20%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="563"></a> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HO-4ff-JuAk/Vua4kpZWxhI/AAAAAAAABwA/iAVKtQn4Pig/s1600-h/2016-03-05%25252012.21.41%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-03-05 12.21.41 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-03-05 12.21.41 (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IYOrbYzeqw8/Vua4k9aLQ7I/AAAAAAAABwE/3nfUZy5d-c0/2016-03-05%25252012.21.41%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="447" height="576"></a> <p>I haven't watched the Dalek films in a long while. I had planned, for some considerable time, to upgrade them to Bluray, and when Zavvi had them in a “2 Steel Books for £18” offer, it was an opportunity too good to pass up, both as a Doctor Who fan and as DVD/Bluray collector. And I can say with absolute certainty, it was £18 VERY well spent. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting these classic films, and seeing them presented in high definition was an absolute delight. </p> <p>And so, if you are a collector, a fan, or simply fancy a wander through nostalgia, look no further than these. As films go, they aren't without their faults, but they are still hugely entertaining and with the Studio Canal releases, they have never looked better!</p>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-14105193248682517132016-02-27T13:32:00.001+00:002016-03-02T21:07:17.680+00:00Hmm.. You've redecorated! I don't like it..!<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Milestones &amp; Thanks!"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="A Spot of Redecoration!"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://blotto-online.com/images/metalollieicon.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie">Well, the Second Doctor may not be a fan of redecoration, but as my blog has just hit a whopping 25,000 views, I thought I'd tart the place up a bit! Quite why so many people are interested in the ramblings of a grouchy old bastard like me is beyond me, but I'm very grateful for the support.<div><br></div><div>However, this post isn't about views. It's about the redecoration. It's a short post, but an appropriate one. Whilst I can take credit for faffing around with fonts and colours, I'd like to extend my sincere thanks to Sam Bentley, who you may remember from an earlier blog post, in which I&nbsp;<a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/artistic-musings.html" id="id_e3e8_7ba7_79aa_d358">interviewed</a>&nbsp;him about his stunning artwork. It was Sam who spent a very patient evening with me yesterday, fiddling with my roundels! Oh-eer! If you aren't a Doctor Who fan, the roundels are those stunning looking things on the left of the blog, and are a distinctive feature of the Tardis. I had a design in mind, but have all the artistic ability of Donald Trump's hairdresser, and so I went to the one person I knew would do a bloody good job, and be able to create the idea that was buzzing around in my head. I don't know about you, but I think he's done a bloody incredible job! It looks fresh, modern, neat and tidy.</div><div><br></div><div>So, thank you for 25,000 views, and above all, thank you to Sam! Go and give him a follow on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SamRBentley" id="id_ccfc_423c_74f5_467e" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp; Aside from being incredibly talented, he's also a bloody nice guy!&nbsp;</div>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-63063777218087722722016-02-18T21:26:00.000+00:002016-02-19T11:14:20.531+00:00A Load of Bollocks!<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Musing on three years CANCER FREE &amp; the NHS."> <meta name="twitter:title" content="A Load of Bollocks!"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/metalollieicon.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"><p>It’s the 18th February 2016. Not a particularly notable date for most people. For me, however, it is one of some considerable significance. It is a day I celebrate, and with good reason. Today marks <strong>three years CANCER FREE </strong>(and also a bollock short, but that's neither here nor there!)</p> <p>The NHS gets criticised heavily, from people within the UK, to our glorious politicians, who continually tell us everything that’s wrong with it, and then promptly do nothing to fix said issues. Similarly, it comes under considerable attack from right-wing Americans, who use it to point out all the flaws of Universal healthcare, and how much better off they are paying ten years earnings to fix their ingrowing toenail.</p> <p>Well, for me, the NHS has been nothing short of bloody brilliant. I was diagnosed, referred to the hospital, and under the knife, within the space of THREE WEEKS. Alongside the self examination which detected the tumour, there is absolutely no doubt that the NHS saved me a whole barrage of treatment. No chemotherapy. No radiation. One operation (and a hell of a lot of follow ups, but who gives a shit about that!). My oncologist is one phone call away, if I have any concerns, and when, last year, I did find some swelling in the lonely testicle, swinging down below, all on it’s Todd, I had an ultrasound within around ten days.</p> <p>In short, I owe my life to the NHS. For fifteen years, it was a privilege to work for them as a nurse. I have needed their care on numerous occasions; none more so than in the wake of a cancer diagnosis. And they have never let me down. Not once.</p> <p>It is entirely due to the care and kindness of the surgeons, oncologists, nursing staff and doctors that I am still here, being a belligerent old fart.. </p> <p>I have another two years before I can declare myself “cured”. I am technically “in remission”, To me, those are just words. I pay much more attention to blood tests, and have become intimately acquainted with terms like AFP, HCG and LFP (tumour makers). And as long as they stay within the desired parameters, the cancer remains GONE.</p> <p>With every passing anniversary, the likelihood of it returning lessens considerably. That said, I will still remain vigilant, keeping an eye on ol’ lonely-ball.</p> <p>Alongside the incredible support from the NHS (and of course, family and friends), the support I have received from people on Twitter has been beyond measure. Extraordinary kindness from people whom I have never met. You know who you are. And I am more grateful for your support and continued friendship than you could possibly imagine.</p> <p>I was bloody lucky. I had no great battle to contend with. I am equally, acutely aware of the difficulties and hardships others have faced, and continue to face on a daily basis. My cancer pales into insignificance, by comparison. And I hope, where I can, that I can offer the same support that has so kindly been afforded me.</p> <p>But today. Just this one day. This one’s mine. It belongs to me. And I’m grabbing it with both hands!</p>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-46205937182539786542016-02-16T00:05:00.000+00:002016-02-16T00:11:14.316+00:00Twittery Musings<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Twittery Musings"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="General thoughts on stalkers and harassment"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/metalollieicon.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"><p>There are times when I seriously wonder why I stay on Twitter. The past week or so has demonstrated some of the crassest, vile behaviour I have seen in some considerable time. <p>My beloved (!) stalker has seen fit to hijack the Sepsis hashtag, and is now offering his support on the subject to anyone who’ll listen. He claims he is raising awareness. A road we’ve been down before, on more than one occasion. His shameless attempts at using charities to further his own public image is pretty low, by any standard. <p>Which brings me neatly to another of his “causes”. A supposed “charity”, who aren’t actually a charity at all, simply a CIC, which he has long supported were discovered to have copious amounts of hard-core pornography in their “likes”. When this was brought to his attention by another user, he, once again, distorted the facts, to appear as though the discovery had been made by him, and that I, and another user, could only have found the information by stalking his timeline. He offered an apology, which lasted all of five minutes, as shortly after he was bleating about “lies and misinformation”. Business as usual. As a side note, Google his name, if you know it. The third suggestion by Google is “stalker”. Says it all really! <p>Then there are the homeopaths and their advocates. Whilst Stalky is a pain in the arse, these people are vicious, cruel, sadistic, twisted lunatics. The details of the family I recently interviewed are well known, and yet they continue to target them. <p>The latest parasite to come crawling out of the woodwork is a pleasant character, who goes by the username <a href="http://www.twitter.com/homeoreikidogs">@HomeoReikiDogs</a>. I got into a heated exchange with her recently. Her tweets can speak for themselves… <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rG5UZjzSldU/VsJnsm4nwdI/AAAAAAAABoM/YcUcuRcivfU/s1600-h/FullSizeRender_3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="FullSizeRender_3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="FullSizeRender_3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3iUkkbDf-rc/VsJntEe4YUI/AAAAAAAABoQ/9Wbi2Qd0mDw/FullSizeRender_3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="449"></a> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wwLPYDXx8ug/VsJntToPHJI/AAAAAAAABoU/LCC2wVs3FZE/s1600-h/FullSizeRender_2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="FullSizeRender_2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="FullSizeRender_2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xIknSyAIsrI/VsJnt_rnS3I/AAAAAAAABoY/_EhVXu45idw/FullSizeRender_2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="232"></a> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YzYStlguZUg/VsJnuCk_RHI/AAAAAAAABoc/iOsGys68k4g/s1600-h/FullSizeRender_1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="FullSizeRender_1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="FullSizeRender_1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xwrbRd63PHQ/VsJnuYucy5I/AAAAAAAABog/mQi5ehKSDq4/FullSizeRender_1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="234"></a> <p align="left">Charming, isn’t it? The suggestion that a grieving family should be “over it by now”, as 18 months have passed (which they haven’t. it has been a year, so her ability to research is decidedly lacking, along with her compassion and dignity). Describing the loss of an infant is, quite frankly, utterly callous. It will come as no great surprise that she associates closely with Ms Hermann-Courtney, aka <a href="http://www.twitter.com/brownbagpantry">@BrownBagPantry,</a> who has already featured in two blog posts for her targeted harassment of the aforementioned family. <p>Moving away from homeopathy, another user, and a person with whom I have an extremely close friendship recently discovered that someone she had been friends with online, had, for the entire duration of their friendship, been lying about their identity, right down to their gender and sexuality. I don’t propose to elaborate further, out of respect for the persons affected by this deceit, but it’s yet another example of the cruel, vicious way people are capable of conducting themselves online. <p>Twitter are <i>supposed </i>to be cracking down on harassment, and making it easier to report offending accounts. Time and again, they are in the news, telling us so. And yet, what have they done, in actuality? The answer to that is simple, and blunt. They have done precisely fuck all. <p>After <a href="http://www.twitter.com/brownbagpantry">@BrownBagPantry</a> spent an entire day targeting one user, I, and four other friends, reported all of her offending tweets. To say they are an obvious case of targeted harassment is an understatement. Between us, we sent SIXTY reports to Twitter. Other users have told me that they have reported the tweets. And what have Twitter done with such an influx of complaints? Again, fuck all. Nothing. Jack shit. (Ironicallym, whilst in the middle of writing this post, she has, for reasons best known to absolutely no one, decided to follow me.. Enjoy your block Sandra!) <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8EvLdG7ISug/VsJnunY5YaI/AAAAAAAABok/R_UI3F5un8Q/s1600-h/FullSizeRender_4%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="FullSizeRender_4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="FullSizeRender_4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9LazaAWIbf0/VsJnvJKXcMI/AAAAAAAABoo/0JDh7ADui4E/FullSizeRender_4_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="181"></a> <p>It makes me question why the hell I stay on twitter. But then I look back at the extraordinary people I have met in my six or so years. People with whom I have formed close friendships, many of which go beyond the confines of social media. I have been inspired by strength and dignity with which others have conducted themselves, whilst on the receiving end of some of the most vicious harassment I have seen. And I am constantly reminded that the good FAR outweighs the bad. <p>When I went through cancer, people on Twitter were there for me. When I had a nervous breakdown, again, there they were; there YOU were, lending support, offering friendship and asking nothing in return. <p>I am fortunate in that I have exceptionally broad shoulders. Very little of the behaviour exhibited by the cesspool of deviants and cranks affects me. It does, however, affect others; people about whom I care deeply. Only today, one has self-deleted his account temporarily, whilst he assesses how to manage the continual attacks from the homeopathic community. <p>I am glad I am on Twitter. I’ve met some remarkable people. I’ve also met some utter arseholes. I guess that’s the price of social media. The anonymity it affords allows people to behave in a manner that, one would hope, they would NEVER behave in, away from the confines of a computer keyboard. Some people will never change. Unfortunately, for them, at least, neither will I, or the many decent, kind people who put up with, and stand up against, their crap on a daily basis. <p>Perhaps, one day, Twitter will finally get their act together, and start treating harassment and stalking with the severity it deserves. Until then, we are all wading through a crystal clear river, with the occasional turd floating by. Keep swimming. Eventually, all turds sink without a trace. But the river… That keeps flowing… MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-33096279863757188662016-01-28T22:44:00.001+00:002016-01-28T22:44:56.805+00:00Apologetically Munching Humble PieWell.. This is one blog post that's going to stick in my craw. But it needs writing. Doubtless, most of you are aware of issues between myself and another user (Stewart). You may also be aware of my friendship with a couple who recently lost a child to sepsis.<div>A couple of days ago, I saw Stewart starting to interact with the sepsis hashtag. I have no idea what his motives are, whether they are intended for self aggrandisement or borne out of legitimate concern for the cause. Frankly, I don't care. Neither is it relevant to this post.</div><div><br></div><div>When I saw Stewart interacting with the mother of the little boy, I went positively ballistic. With such a high volume of people discussing sepsis, it seemed to be an extraordinary coincidence that, out of all of the people to interact with, he would choose someone who I am friends with, and who I interviewed recently on here.</div><div><br></div><div>People who know me, my Twitter followers and blog readers, know that I am methodical, punctilious, analytical and try to confine my tweets and particularly my blog posts to facts which I can substantiate. And in this case, I fucked up. Royally. I reached, what to me appeared to be a logical conclusion, based on the tweets I saw, and on the past behaviour of the subject of this post.</div><div><br></div><div>In relation to sock-puppets, stalking and being a general pain in the arse, I stand by every word. People are free to interpret my posts how they see fit. Another post recently emerged, validating my sock-puppet claims against him. It is therefore, perhaps, understandable that I would draw a logical conclusion in this case.</div><div><br></div><div>I did draw a conclusion, and it was WRONG. Stewart did NOT initiate the conversation with the family; rather THEY picked up on one of his tweets, and responded. Now they are aware of who Stewart is, particularly in relation to our past history, they have blocked him, and elected not to interact any further with him. However, a number of posts have emerged on his blog, one, in particular is quite salient, as it assumed, as did I, that the dialogue was initiated by Stewart. Whilst it is correct that he first initiated contact with the Sepsis Trust, I feel it only right that I set the record straight with regard to his contact with the family. He emphatically did not make "first contact", and I apologise for leaping to the conclusion that he did.</div><div><br></div><div>I like facts. Evidence. Proof. I believe I have supplied it, in abundance, with regard to his past behaviour. In this instance, I didn't do my research properly, before opening my big pie-hole. I simply saw him interacting with a family who I have come to care about very deeply. My natural instinct was to defend them, and in attempting to do so, I failed to acquaint myself with all of the requisite facts.</div><div><br></div><div>Whatever Stewart's motives are for his various charity works are, I leave for you to decide. You are, almost certainly, aware of <i>my </i>thoughts on the subject. This isn't about his past behaviour, or his motivation. Neither is it about my opinion of his past actions. It is intended, as always, to be fair and honest.</div><div><br></div><div>And so, whilst it may stick in my craw, I offer my apologies for incorrectly assuming and stating that Stewart initiated contact with the family in question. I don't enjoy doing so, however, I firmly believe that if I fuck up, I should hold my hands up, admit it, apologise (no matter how much it stings to do so), and make sure the FACTS are presented, accurately, and without bias.</div><div><br></div><div>It is a salutary lesson that past actions do not constitute evidence, and occasionally, coincidences DO happen. In this instance, I erred, and although well intentioned, I jumped to the wrong conclusions. For that, I apologise, wholly and unreservedly.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-25453953877667108392016-01-19T16:29:00.000+00:002016-01-19T18:08:13.426+00:00A BIG Day!<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="A Guest Post on Big Finish Day 8"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="A Big Day!"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/logo.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"> <p><i>Regular readers may remember an interview with a talented young artist who kindly granted me an interview, and the opportunity to share his artwork on my blog. If you haven't read the interview, you can check it out&nbsp;</i><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/artistic-musings.html" id="id_54de_5b39_a0b0_531c" target="_blank">HERE</a><i>. Sam, like myself is a huge fan of Big Finish Audio and, in particular, their superb Doctor Who ranges. Recently, Big Finish held a convention, which Sam was fortunate enough to attend. In this guest post, he shares his experience of BFD8. And I'm not at all jealous. Not at all.. Honest...!</i></p><p>Big Finish has been a massive part of my life for the last six months or so - originally I struggled to get into the <i>Doctor Who</i> audio adventures - but eventually I caved, and now I am in awe of the wonderful things they produce. Earlier this year, I heard about Big Finish Day 8 - now, as a sufferer of depression, I had recently made it my goal to finally start getting out there and going to conventions as a way to meet new people, and just enjoy myself for once! So, I spoke to my father - and as my 18th birthday falls upon the 24th of January - my dad ordered me a ticket, and a photo opportunity with my favourite Doctor, as a week-early birthday present. </p><p>The day started at 10am with Sylvester McCoy doing a Q&amp;A session in the main hall. Now, Sylvester likes to have a portable microphone so he can run around and actually get up close with the audience. It's extremely fun, and very intimate. There were so many laughs, as Sylvester recalled working with Sir Laurence Olivier, or how he was so very close to becoming a priest - and even the mention of his younger, wilder days where he may have smoked a few 'funny cigarettes'. I met Sylvester for the first time back in October of 2015 at MCM Comic-Con London. He was such a joy to talk to, and I'll never forget it... but our second encounter, to me, was far more enjoyable... </p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rGDkhjl-71w/Vp5kVefdetI/AAAAAAAABm0/bFZgp5wAHgI/s1600-h/Sylvester%252520and%252520I%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sylvester and I 1" style="border: 0px; background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; width: 648px; height: auto;" border="0" alt="Sylvester and I 1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yPna1tInlng/Vp5kWHsHbRI/AAAAAAAABm8/lR2fmHOBMYY/Sylvester%252520and%252520I%2525201_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="564" height="395" id="id_6724_b84b_d9f7_536"></a> </p><p>So - here I am, sat near the front of the room, in my question pullover, with my question mark umbrella and my specially made custom-printed question mark shoes! I raise my hand, and after a while over he comes. I explained that he was my favourite Doctor - which ensued much laughter because he made me say it again louder so that everyone could hear - and Nick Briggs asked me again just to make sure everyone had heard! Then I got to my question, which was simply - does he ever get tired of question marks, after all - they are rather the trademark of his Doctor. I showed him, as well, my specially printed shoes - and he asked me what mental asylum they let me out of for the day, it was very funny. </p><p>He ranted for a while about the question mark jumper and how he hated it and was to have gotten rid of it in Season 27, which obviously never aired due to the shows cancellation after 26 Seasons, but how he has come to love it because it has become somewhat iconic - like Tom Baker's scarf, or Colin Baker's multicoloured coat. And, although he wandered around the room whilst he chatted away, he never stopped talking to me. It felt as though he was still answering my question to me, even though there was a whole audience surrounding us. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Pw8nf-9HAI/Vp5kXEc0pBI/AAAAAAAABnE/Z2sAiKK611g/s1600-h/Sylvester%252520and%252520I%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sylvester and I 2" style="border: 0px; background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; width: 649px; height: auto;" border="0" alt="Sylvester and I 2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hGwoz1S2gXA/Vp5kXzNSP_I/AAAAAAAABnI/b4Ut_QEyDtc/Sylvester%252520and%252520I%2525202_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="536" height="375" id="id_6f71_57e2_7dbe_1fb7"></a> </p><p>Then he started to take other questions, and soon his time was up and he had to leave. As he walked out of the room, he walked specifically past me, and patted me on the back with a smile. And, as silly as it sounds - that made my day! </p><p>Then I went for my photo-op with him, and he remembered me from the Q&amp;A, and demanded I get my shoes in the photo! We had a good laugh over that too! </p><p>At that point, I was already missing the next talk in the main hall, which was not a problem really as it was just the generic Big Finish talk. So, I took the opportunity to go and talk to some of the (free) guests there. </p><p>Now - going back to the custom printed shoes again. I had these shoes printed, and they sent me them wrong! They sent me them mirrored, so the outer sides of the shoes had BACKWARDS question marks on them. I was not happy, as I am sure anyone can understand. I was able to get myself some replacements, but I then had a new conundrum - what on Earth was I to do with these inaccurate, backwards shoes? I realised the best idea would be to get a handful of guests to sign my shoes. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5bOeYOCMFns/Vp5kYmJ2GhI/AAAAAAAABnU/ydaiFoF0Vb8/s1600-h/Signed%252520Shoes%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Signed Shoes" style="border: 0px; background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; width: 699px; height: auto;" border="0" alt="Signed Shoes" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MlevEfJN_dg/Vp5kZQfaTZI/AAAAAAAABnY/-4CZMsDU4dk/Signed%252520Shoes_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="579" height="345" id="id_1404_d857_e719_d87a"></a> </p><p>First, I had Lisa Bowerman, who plays Professor Bernice Summerfield in a plethora of Big Finish audios - as well has a handful of other characters too, sign them. God, she's lovely. What a lovely, lovely woman. She was ever so kind to me. I went back to her later in the day, after purchasing a couple of CDs from the store area, which she featured on. Then David Warner, who has played a handful of Big Finish roles, but probably most-notably one of the Unbound Doctors, signed them! Now, I was expecting him to charge me a few pounds for it, but he did it for free! There was a warning that the guests would only sign three Big Finish covers for free - and then anything else might have a charge. Thankfully - none of the guests asked me to pay a penny! </p><p>Then I got the shoes signed by Barnaby Edwards, most probably known for being... well... the Daleks - or at least the man inside of them, who I had a good laugh with about them being printed backwards, and then Beth Chalmers who plays so many Big Finish characters I would be here for eternity just checking I listed them all, but she did play the Seventh Doctor's companion Raine in the Lost Stories and <i>UNIT: Dominion</i> - now she is also a FANTASTICALLY lovely woman. My god, she was so kind and fun to chat to. I wish I could have sat and chatted to her for longer - but there was a queue growing! </p><p>Then, I queued up for Jacqueline Pearce, who recently starred in the new War Doctor boxset, <i>Only the Monstrous, </i>alongside Sir John Hurt. Now - the queue to meet her was ALWAYS long. It never stopped being a long queue. But, eventually, I got to say hello to her, and she was really pleasant, and I congratulated her on how good The War Doctor boxset is. I was surprised she did not charge me for the signing either, if I am honest! But it seemed to me that so many of these guests were in awe of the effort I had put into my shoes that I don't think they minded. </p><p>And then finally I got Kai Owen, Rhys from <i>Torchwood</i>, to sign my shoes. He and some others from <i>The Martian Chronicles</i> were oddly shoved in a tiny room out of sight - so nobody was in there! Well, luckily I found him, a he signed my shoes too - and then recorded a little message for my friend who also loves him but could not make it. I did wait around for Nick Briggs, I REALLY wanted him to sign my shoes - but alas he fell ill and could not make the signing desk. I'll get him next time though! </p><p>Now, I did also meet the wonderful Ian McNeice, who plays Winston Churchill in both the TV show, and the new boxset from Big Finish; <i>The Churchill Years.</i> You had to pay to meet him, but apart from Sylvester I didn't pay to meet anyone. However, he walked into the shopping area to look at the physical copies of the Churchill boxset, and I spotted him in the corner of my eye and ran over to him. As he was about to leave - I managed to catch his attention, as I just wanted to tell him how marvellous he is in the boxset (and believe me, he is ruddy good!) and he thanked me, as that was the first fan feedback he had heard, given that the boxset only came out a couple days prior. That was another highlight of my day, because he could have easily told me to go away, as I had not paid to meet him - but instead he was kind and charming, and just an all-round nice bloke. He told me he was hoping to do more of the Churchill audios - so I shall keep my fingers firmly crossed! </p><p>I only sat in on two of the talks, as I had to leave a couple of hours before the day had actually ended. However, both panels, the Sylvester McCoy Q&amp;A and the War Doctor, were both fantastically entertaining. I am quite sad I missed the Torchwood and New Series panels, but alas I had to leave. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SzVKQHqNwvI/Vp5kaC8_hAI/AAAAAAAABnk/M0Q4qDd6gdk/s1600-h/Sylvester%252520and%252520I%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Sylvester and I 3" style="border: 0px; background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; width: 702px; height: auto;" border="0" alt="Sylvester and I 3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nVc7XWbqr5k/Vp5kay2K1JI/AAAAAAAABns/Z4ljdFTe7W8/Sylvester%252520and%252520I%2525203_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="565" height="391" id="id_1248_46e7_8706_9f8"></a> </p><p>The day was a triumph. It was one of the best, and most enjoyable days I have had in a very long time. Not only did I meet some fantastic guests at the event - but I also met some fantastic Big Finish fans, who a stood around with for hours chatting too. And I have to say - the whole environment and feel of the event was... glorious. I was around my brethren! The people who understand me, and the things I like. There is no judgement there, and everyone was polite and kind. I can't wait to go again!</p><p style="text-align: center;">________________</p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Don't forget to check out Sam's extraordinary artwork in the interview (and if you're feeling flush, go and buy some!). You can also give him a follow on Twitter&nbsp;</i><a href="https://www.twitter.com/MrSamRBentley" id="id_8949_3fc4_bee7_5887" target="_blank">@SamRBentley</a><i>&nbsp;and my thanks go to him for taking the time to share what was clearly an extraordinary event, especially for him. And I'm still not jealous...!</i></p>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-51360331686670970442016-01-18T23:09:00.000+00:002016-07-05T13:27:59.534+01:00I’m Going Slightly Mad…!<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="I'm Going Slightly Mad.."> <meta name="twitter:title" content="MentalOllie Muses!"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://blotto-online.com/images/metalollieicon.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"> <p>Some of you will have already read my post on anxiety, depression and panic attacks. If you haven't, it gives you an insight into life with anxiety related disorders and how I manage them. (You can find the post <a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/mental-musings.html">HERE</a>). <p>On Friday, I posted the following on my Twitter account…</p> <p><em>“Mes chagrins, mes plaisirs, Je n'ai plus besoin d'eux, C'est payé, balayé, oublié Je me fous du passé Je Ne Regrette Rien......</em></p> <p><em>Aujourd'hui, ça commence avec toi…”</em> <p>For those who don't speak French, it was intended as a farewell. The first part consists of the lyrics to the beautifully poignant Edith Piaf song, Je Ne Regrette Rien. The last part is my own addition. <p>“My sorrows, my pleasures, I do not need them anymore, It is paid, swept away, forgotten. I do not care about the past. I Regret Nothing ...... Today, it begins with you.. Goodbye until we meet again”. <p>It isn't (or rather, wasn't) a suicide note before anyone assumes so. It was a farewell to Twitter, to social media. I had intended to go to bed, get up in the morning and close my account, blog and quietly withdraw from an online presence. <p>For reasons best known to absolutely no one, least of all me, my brain had decided isolationism was something I needed. Since I dislike goodbyes, I thought a poetic departure felt right. <p>Sleep eluded me when I went to bed. I wasn't sad or depressed, per se, just highly anxious and with an overwhelming desire to shut the outside world out and be left alone. As the day progressed, panic attacks took their hold, and they did so with gusto. There were a couple of times when I honestly thought I was having a heart attack. I've had severe panic attacks before, and two nervous breakdowns in the past, so I knew it was simply a case of riding it out. Only it didn't pan out quite as well as I'd hoped. The attacks continued long into the night. It is fortunate that at 3am the night after my last tweet, no shops within my vicinity were open, or I would have fallen off the wagon. As some of you may know, I am recovering alcoholic. In point of fact, today marks 16 years since I quit drinking. On that night, I could have cheerfully sunk a bottle of scotch. <p>By the morning, after a night of almost constant panic, and a good deal of physical pain, courtesy of the inevitable flare up of my Crohn’s disease, I was physically and mentally exhausted. I had been medicating with diazepam throughout the night, to little effect. 10mg is usually enough to stave off a panic attack. By 10am, I think I had taken around 50mg. <p>The morning was something of an exhaustive haze. My usually voracious appetite had vanished, my head felt as though Slayer and Slipknot were having a battle of the bands inside my brain, and the exhaustion and tiredness was indescribable. I haven't felt so low and burned out in years, decades even. My limbs ached like all hell, to the point I could barely stand up. <p>Recognising that this was something more serious than my usual “normal” panic disorder, I rang my GP, who gave me an appointment that evening. (Yes, our NHS is awful.. Weeks of waiting..!) <p>I explained everything to my Doctor. He did a few tests. Notably, my blood pressure was incredibly low. He took blood to rule out anything physical, and concluded that I had a “minor mental breakdown”; essentially, what used to be known as a nervous breakdown. <p>My regular dose of SSRI antidepressants has, as a result, been tripled in dosage, and my nighttime tricyclic medication has been increased by double. Until the increased doses take full effect, I have to counter the inevitable panic attacks with diazepam. <p>For the last two days, all I have wanted to do is sleep, or at the very least, rest. I've had no interest in food, although have been determined to ensure I DO eat, as I have no desire to add keeling over to the mix! <p>Today, I feel MUCH better. Physically and mentally exhausted, and emotionally somewhat numb; a curious sensation for a depressive person. But, all in all, I'm starting to level out again. It helps that I have something positive upon which to reflect; the previously mentioned anniversary of my parting company with the grog. And the knowledge that, even in my darkest hours, when the desire was strongest, I managed to stave off the intense desire to bury my head at the bottom of a bottle. <p>I have to go back to my GP on Thursday, to monitor how I'm progressing, and I'm being referred to a psychologist, with the option to voluntarily cancel the appointment when it comes, should things be back on an even keel, which I'm hoping they will. <p>Quite what precipitated all of this is anyone's guess. Mine is that I'll never really know. Past experience has taught me that these things crop up out of the blue, for no obvious reason. Social isolation and the desire to withdraw from interacting with the outside world is a painfully lonely experience, and one I wouldn't wish upon anyone. As for the rest. <p>One thing I have learned through this, is how much people I have never met, care deeply. I have been inundated with messages on Twitter. I will do my very best to respond to them all, although it may take me a while. I cannot thank you all enough for the support, for caring, and for making sure I'm alive and kicking. I'm slowly getting back to some semblance of normality, whatever the hell that is (!), and I'll be back to being a belligerent old arsehole before you know it! <p>I'm incredibly grateful to each and every person who has sent messages of support or enquired after my well-being. You know who you are, and so if I don't reply to you personally, please know that I have seen all your messages, and appreciate each and every one of them. I'll do my best to reply, but for obvious reasons, my interaction with people may be a little limited for the next few days, and my concentration isn't at peak performance at present. Writing this has been incredibly cathartic, and my sense of humour is back with a vengeance, so with a little luck, and thanks to the extraordinary support of my Doctor (and our bloody brilliant NHS), family, and especially the support and kindness of those who I have never met. I've touched on what a “nervous breakdown” is like, however truly articulating it is next to impossible. I hope my words are the only experience you have of it. For most, I suspect, mercifully, you'll never have to go through anything like it. Some, unfortunately, will. And when you do, I hope I can offer the same support and extend the same kindness that has been shown to me in the past few days. <p>MentalOllie (fuck it.. If you can't own your own insanities and foibles, ‘tis a sorry state of affairs!)</p>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-66231399625675468332015-12-30T01:50:00.001+00:002015-12-30T20:49:16.381+00:00For Lemmy….<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="A tribute to a legend"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="For Lemmy"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://38.media.tumblr.com/avatar_7bcc063708ac_128.png"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"><div style="text-align: center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AVY9klvv71k/VoQKbud5ZuI/AAAAAAAABlU/Jdpr7Nl7ALI/s1600-h/Motorhead%252520Logo%25255B4%25255D.gif"><img title="Motorhead Logo" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Motorhead Logo" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cRcWevTG1Mc/VoQKcOyhe2I/AAAAAAAABlY/At_TLKeSDz0/Motorhead%252520Logo_thumb%25255B2%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" width="502" height="182"></a><br></div> <p>It's strange how musical tastes can change at the beat of a single song. I grew up on a diet of 70's pop and at the height of the punk era. The latter had little effect on me back then, although it's certainly a genre I appreciate now. 1980 was the year that music changed forever, for me, as a raw, guttural sound emerged on the airwaves. I had been aware of bands like Iron Maiden, although paid them little attention, yet this heady blend of bass and rasping vocals had an instant effect on the eleven year old me. Ace of Spades, by Motörhead, had hit my eardrums with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. And I fucking loved it! <p>Suddenly music had a whole new meaning. It had an edge, a passion. It was visceral, brutal and so very, very loud!&nbsp; <div><img id="id_2380_4be9_4422_e634" title="" style="height: 855px; width: 605px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qVkoNU_KCb0/VoM3EpWS58I/AAAAAAAABkk/ayWVmOAO_4w/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" width="616" height="871"><br></div> <div>Ian Fraser "Lemmy" Kilmister was born on the 24th December 1945, in Stoke-on-Trent, and spent his formative years in North Wales. Heavily influenced by rock and roll, he played in numerous bands during the 1960’s. We worked as a roadie to the legendary Jimi Hendrix, before joining Hawkwind in 1971, taking the lead vocals on the song <em>Silver Machine. </em>In 1975, following an arrest for possession of drugs, he was fired from Hawkwind, although no formal charges were brought against him. </div> <p>In 1975, Lemmy formed a new band called “Bastard”. along with former “Pink Fairies” guitarist, Larry Wallis, and drummer Lucas Fox. After his manager advised him he would never get a slot on the British music show “Top of the Pops” with the band name, Lemmy changed it to Motörhead, the title of the final song he had written with Hawkwind. <p>Wallis and Fox were soon replaced by guitarist “Fast Eddie” Clarke and drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, and it was with this line up that Motörhead began to achieve success, which peaked in the 1980’s with the song “Ace of Spades”, a perennial favourite amongst fans to this day. <p>During his tenure with Hawkwind, Lemmy developed an appetite for LSD and, in particular, amphetamines. <p>In an interview he stated “I first got into speed because it was a utilitarian drug and kept you awake when you needed to be awake, when otherwise you'd just be flat out on your back. If you drive to Glasgow for nine hours in the back of a sweaty truck you don't really feel like going onstage feeling all bright and breezy... It's the only drug I've found that I can get on with, and I've tried them all – except smack [heroin] and morphine: I've never "<i>fixed</i>" anything” <p>In November 2005, he was invited to be a guest speaker at the Welsh Assembly, by Conservative Welsh assembly member William Graham. He was asked to share his views on the detrimental effects of drugs. However he shocked the Assembly Members and the Welsh public when he called for the legalisation of heroin: "I<em> have never had heroin but since I moved to London from north Wales in '67 I have mixed with junkies on a casual and almost daily basis</em>," he said. "<em>I also lived with a young woman who tried heroin just to see what it was like. It killed her three years later. I hate the idea even as I say it, but I do believe the only way to treat heroin is to legalise it</em>." He stated that legalisation would eradicate the drug dealer from society <p>Similarly his love affair with Jack Daniel was positively legendary. It is reputed that he consumed a bottle a day, and had done so since the age of 30. In 2013, citing health reasons, he quit Jack Daniels, switching instead to vodka. <p>A proficient bass player, Lemmy was well known for his unusually high positioning of his microphone. He stated that it was for "personal comfort, that's all. It's also one way of avoiding seeing the audience. In the days when we only had ten people and a dog, it was a way of avoiding seeing that we only <i>had</i> ten people and a dog." <p>He has used Rickenbacker 4001 and 4003 bass guitars almost exclusively since his days with Hawkwind, although some of these instruments were modified with the installation of Gibson Thunderbird pickups in the neck position. Rickenbacker produced a 50-bass run of Lemmy Kilmister signature basses, the 4004LK, which is fitted with three pickups, gold hardware, and elaborate wood carving in the shape of oak leaves. <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2PmSDZbw-zQ/VoQKc0NwPJI/AAAAAAAABlk/7cEaY45jFp0/s1600-h/7m4pRKm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="7m4pRKm" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="7m4pRKm" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yx8ofy82m1w/VoQKeSEWptI/AAAAAAAABls/w_dK1lR7vtQ/7m4pRKm_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="426"></a> <p>From 1990 onward, Lemmy lived in Los Angees, in a two room apartment two blocks away from the “"Rainbow Bar and Grill”, his favourite watering hole. As he grew older, his health detoriated, and he suffered from hypertension and diabetes. In 2013, he had an i<font style="font-weight: normal" size="3">mplantable cardioverter-defibrillator fitted to regulate the pacing of his heart.</font> <p>On the 28th December 2015 at 4pm, the last hand of cards were dealt. Four days after his 70th birtthday, the rock and roll legend, who lived fast and hard, died suddenly. The sad news started to filter through on Twitter, and as I scrolled through my timeline, it rapidly became apparent that this was not, as I had initially anticipated, a hoax. Lemmy was gone. A mere two days after diagnosis, an aggressive form of cancer took his life, and robbed the world of a metal legend. On that day, a part of my formative musical years died.. <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><img id="id_f2cf_2fa8_f5a8_e89f" title="" style="height: 399px; width: 592px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CrbTFMkvVbU/VoM3XVilDiI/AAAAAAAABks/xxT4O-ANaCk/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" width="608" height="410"><br>My passion for heavy metal broadened over the years, from melodic power metal to the heavier, more aggressive bands like Slipknot and Slayer. Throughout all of my musical journey through metal, Motörhead were always in my playlists somewhere…</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center"><img id="id_9290_233d_51b_2645" title="" style="height: auto; width: 576px" alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eP_o2fQu7XE/VoM3qoCeBqI/AAAAAAAABk0/pSY-afSDzck/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png"><br></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>I had the privilege of seeing Motörhead perform on several occasions. The first time I saw them was in small gig at Exeter University, back in 2004. The show was opened by Sepultura, as the guttural roaring's of “Roots, Bloody Roots” hit my ears I thought I could never experience anything louder and more brutal. And then, half an hour later, Motörhead took to the stage. I had never experienced anything quite like it. Feeling the bass resonate in my chest and the electricity in the air is something I shall never forget. Nor will I forget the three days it took for my hearing to return to normal! </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center"><img id="id_fe82_1416_a8ad_8d35" title="" style="height: auto; width: 593px" alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XeKIRV9_BlY/VoM35vSpctI/AAAAAAAABk8/PpcUdESLmwE/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png"><br></div> <div>On the 30th December, Mikkey Dee announced that following the loss of Lemmy, Motörhead would be no more. Speaking to the Swedish newspaper, Expressen, Mikkey said “Motörhead is over, of course. Lemmy WAS Motörhead, We won’t be doing any more tours or anything. And there won’t be any more records. But the brand lives on, and Lemmy survives in the hearts of everyone” </div> <p>Lemmy will certainly survive in my heart, until the day I join him. The influence he had on me as a metal-head is second to none, and for introducing me to the genre, he will have my eternal respect, admiration and love. <p align="center"><img id="id_85e4_289e_8590_44c9" title="" style="height: auto; width: 622px" alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7vbm7orlPWk/VoM4Y1zMAUI/AAAAAAAABlE/q3MgHOr6FFU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span style="text-align: left"><font size="2">Tributes for Motörhead's Lemmy Kilmister are laid at the Rainbow Bar and Grill in Los Angeles.</font></span><span style="text-align: left"><br></p></span></span> <p>I no longer drink. But if I did, I'd raise a very large scotch to Lemmy.. Musicians come and go. Legends live forever….</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a5oJY8MpZIw/VoQKewljWFI/AAAAAAAABlw/C7V7SgJlqtk/s1600-h/lemmy%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="lemmy" style="display: inline" alt="lemmy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i7cvzdoDgMU/VoQKfFVaQ-I/AAAAAAAABl4/MM0ozNbi4fY/lemmy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="548"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M3LwbACHzIQ/VoQKflESvpI/AAAAAAAABmA/dZqEC-pUxhQ/s1600-h/logo%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PtsKbWYbrm0/VoQKf6-oX6I/AAAAAAAABmI/zwqMQ4yqpVA/logo_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="268"></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="2">24 December 1945 – 28 December 2015</font></strong></p>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-31392107190505406162015-12-26T22:35:00.001+00:002015-12-26T23:41:25.663+00:00River Gets Head…<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="A Review of The Husbands of River Song"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="River Gets Head!"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/logo.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie" <p=""> A snow covered Tardis stands in the streets on the human colony of Mendorax Dellora. It is Christmas Day, 5345. Carol singers, and episodes, will be criticized, and in this instance, quite heavily! <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-74gMqkqgTrs/Vn8V60kQMFI/AAAAAAAABig/l1wfl315zgc/s1600-h/doctor-who-11%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Picture shows: Peter Capaldi as the Doctor" style="border: 0px; background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; width: 616px; height: auto;" border="0" alt="Picture shows: Peter Capaldi as the Doctor" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XXZGcIIgGdI/Vn8V7nflkNI/AAAAAAAABik/D4WyovuChqY/doctor-who-11_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="616" height="441" id="id_aa7d_c6d1_7b94_63ea"></a> </p><p>Cards on the table, as always. I am most definitely not a fan of River Song. I liked her immensely in her first appearance, but, for me at least, it all seemed to go downhill with every passing story, as her timeline grew ever more complex and convoluted. Add into the fray her “spoilers” and “sweeties” and I could happily see her being deposited into the nearest black hole. </p><p>Anyway, with my disdain for Professor Song out of the way, let’s get down to brass tacks (whatever the hell they are) and take a look at this year’s Christmas offering. </p><p>Nardole, played by Matt Lucas, knocks on the door of the Tardis, whereupon answering, the Doctor appears, sporting a fetching pair of comedy antlers, provided by the Tardis holographic circuits. He is looking for “the surgeon”. Assuming, incorrectly, yet serendipitously, that Nardole means “Doctor”, the titular Time Lord accompanies him to a flying saucer, where he is met by a familiar face. Hooray! It’s my favourite character! </p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SpCtBxT-zP0/Vn8V8Zy-skI/AAAAAAAABiw/v77-LWdp4jU/s1600-h/9769374-high-%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 00:00:01 on 05/12/2015 - Programme Name: Doctor Who - TX: 25/12/2015 - Episode: n/a (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: ***EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01hrs 5th DEC 2015*** River Song (ALEX KINGSTON) - (C) BBC - Photographer: Simon Ridgway" style="border: 0px; background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; width: 615px; height: auto;" border="0" alt="WARNING: Embargoed for publication until 00:00:01 on 05/12/2015 - Programme Name: Doctor Who - TX: 25/12/2015 - Episode: n/a (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: ***EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01hrs 5th DEC 2015*** River Song (ALEX KINGSTON) - (C) BBC - Photographer: Simon Ridgway" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G365lfbb_-g/Vn8V9Ei_lWI/AAAAAAAABi0/iRgW2d0E0HI/9769374-high-_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="615" height="376" id="id_ca3b_a6d0_1365_a0c8"></a> </p><p>Failing to recognise him in his most recent regeneration, River takes the Doctor inside the saucer, where she introduces him to her husband, King Hyrdroflax, a colossal red cyborg, with a suspiciously human head, played by Greg Davies, who is need of surgery. It soon transpires that River is far more interested in the projectile, the “Halassi Androvar” diamond, which is lodged in the brain of Hydroflax, than in saving his life. </p><p>Unfortunately for the Doctor and River, Hydroflax has been listening, and after some faffing around, he removes his own head, for no apparent reason, other than to show off. Naturally, River steals the head, and much hilarity ensues. (Caveat. Perception of hilarity levels may vary!)</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IlJuAJE4OQM/Vn8XU8dP4iI/AAAAAAAABkE/_hgBHX2HhJo/s1600-h/Screen%252520Shot%2525202015-12-05%252520at%25252021.18.47%25255B10%25255D.png"><img title="Screen Shot 2015-12-05 at 21.18.47" style="border: 0px; background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; width: 593px; height: auto;" border="0" alt="Screen Shot 2015-12-05 at 21.18.47" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-btE9FV8nuIA/Vn8XbA8JSfI/AAAAAAAABkM/J54U8hQVa1k/Screen%252520Shot%2525202015-12-05%252520at%25252021.18.47_thumb%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="593" height="368" id="id_fadc_fef6_7b6d_f44b"></a> </p><p>Attempting to “steal” the Doctor’s Tardis, River warns the “surgeon” that the machine is somewhat more spacious inside, affording the Doctor the opportunity to finally utter the immortal line “it’s bigger on the inside”, although he does get rather carried away and launches into a lengthy spiel about temporal physics. The Tardis refuses to dematerialize, as a sizeable amount of one of the occupants is still on the outside (which makes one wonder how “Handles” the Cyberman managed). Bringing a “message” to the Doctor, Ramone (another of River’s husbands) allows the body of Hydroflax aboard the Tardis, and the ship takes off. </p><p>Arriving aboard the “Harmony and Redemption” liner, River plans to sell the diamond, which is still firmly ensconced in the King’s head, to “Scratch”, a representative of 'The Shoal of the Winter Harmony', and a man who clearly has cranial issues of his own, as he appear to keep his money inside his own bonce. The scene with him removing the sphere from his head is effective, although perhaps not necessarily suitable for the timeslot. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YAJZKmI-J2I/Vn8WBK6UmNI/AAAAAAAABjQ/1UzSsK6BfeM/s1600-h/capaldi-river-Hydroflax-christmas%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="capaldi-river-Hydroflax-christmas" style="border: 0px; background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; width: 614px; height: auto;" border="0" alt="capaldi-river-Hydroflax-christmas" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yh3X-dPWPsw/Vn8WBxZ-JzI/AAAAAAAABjY/o6qPaqBLMnM/capaldi-river-Hydroflax-christmas_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="614" height="438" id="id_6dea_5c29_f0cb_b65e"></a> </p><p>After some more buggering around, in which Hydroflax’s head, much like my interest in the story, is rapidly disintegrated, the diamond falls out, shoots into the air, where River catches it neatly. With her breasts. I know River is sexy and sassy, and all of that jazz, but really? The genital jokes in <i>The Girl Who Died</i> were bad enough.. now we have to contend with River’s knockers being flailed around like a rudimentary lacrosse racquet! </p><p>Departing in the Tardis, and with River knocked unconscious, the Doctor takes the diamond, does a little jumping around in time, where he gives the jewel to a man on the planet Darillium, advising him to build a restaurant with a view of the singing towers. </p><p>The final scene sees the Doctor and River sharing a tender moment at the restaurant, where he had promised, on numerous occasions, to take her for dinner. She ponders on the rumours that their date at the Singing Stone towers would be their final encounter; their last night together. It transpires that a night on Darillium last for 24 years, and giving River a sonic screwdriver as Christmas present, River explains to The Doctor that “happy ever after” doesn’t mean “forever”, it means “time.. little time”. And the credits roll mawkishly, with them literally living “happily ever after”. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GPCTBaOtsZY/Vn8WCgilTiI/AAAAAAAABjg/Vix9FeTyDB8/s1600-h/husbands_of_river_song_3%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="husbands_of_river_song_3" style="border: 0px; background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; width: 630px; height: auto;" border="0" alt="husbands_of_river_song_3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EFRl0HyhmYU/Vn8WDveGueI/AAAAAAAABjo/iAFAF_CnyY4/husbands_of_river_song_3_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="630" height="384" id="id_fbc7_259d_c3b1_2521"></a> </p><p>I hadn’t expected to like this episode, largely due to River Song. Ironically, I found the scenes between her and The Doctor to be the most, nay, only enjoyable parts of the episode. The chemistry between Kingston and Capaldi is superb, perhaps due to their shared mature years. As a story, however, the episode is an utter bloody shambles. It’s a frenetic, bombastic waste of an hour, held together by a few comedic scenes which work, and a conclusion which could have been reached within ten minutes, save for all the farting around with a pointless alien who posed no credible threat whatsoever. </p><p>Matt Lucas appeared to be channelling the ghosts of every “<em>Little Britain</em>” character he has ever played, and Greg Davies is so ludicrously over the top, he makes King Yrcanos (<i>Trial of a Time Lord</i>) seem like a mewling kitten. His performance lurches between parody and pantomime, and gets tiresome <strong>very</strong> quickly. </p><p>The episode is salvaged (just!) by sterling performances from Capaldi and Kingston, and it is the latter who surprised me the most. I found her much less annoying than I have in the past. The scenes in which the Doctor attempts to prompt her into recognising him are suitably entertaining, and the final scenes are surprisingly effective, and quite moving. </p><p>In essence, <i>The Husbands of River Song</i> has ten minutes of workable material at the start, and concludes with a further five minutes of sheer brilliance. Sadly, the meat in the sandwich is all style (and not much of that) and absolutely no substance. I enjoy a good “romp” as much as anyone, but this is less of a romp and more of a farce, and not, unfortunately, in a good way. </p><p>Clearly intended as an end to River Song’s story, I would have liked something with a little more substance for her to bow out on, particularly in the light of the fact she was, arguably, one of the strongest elements of the episode.&nbsp; </p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iZETt_7ZGxE/Vn8WE9vsSVI/AAAAAAAABjw/kPeXM6eACYc/s1600-h/river-song-alex-kingston-4%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="river-song-alex-kingston-4" style="border: 0px; background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; width: 614px; height: auto;" border="0" alt="river-song-alex-kingston-4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WuYUb6tUKss/Vn8WFrqLNuI/AAAAAAAABj4/1CXC7XiO5xI/river-song-alex-kingston-4_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="614" height="491" id="id_266a_2ea6_d67d_eb05"></a> </p><p>Much like <em>Time of the Doctor</em> and <em>Hell Bent</em>, Steven Moffat doesn’t seem capable of writing satisfying endings for characters. <em>Hell Bent</em>, while serviceable, was decidedly average, and Matt Smith certainly deserved a far better conclusion than the risible nonsense offered up in <em>Time of the Doctor</em>. The same is true of this episode as it bids farewell to River Song. Whilst in each of these episodes, the departing character has excelled, the plots have been substandard. </p><p>In all honesty, calling <i>The Husbands of River Song</i> “substandard” is to give it more credit than it deserves. It is (and this is, of course only my opinion), utter crap. Pure unadulterated rubbish. On second viewing, it is marginally better than the god-awful “<i>Doctor, Witch and Wardrobe</i>”, but is still a cartoonish, bloated episode, devoid of plot, menace or interest. </p><p>In summary, 5 minutes of brilliance, 10 of reasonable quality, and 45 of extraneous drivel that I have absolutely no interest in watching again. It earns 4.5/10 from me, and that is being generous! </p>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-8436678344767982802015-12-24T22:13:00.001+00:002015-12-25T01:16:31.986+00:00Seasonal Musings<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Seasons Greetings, Musings and Thanks!"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Seasons Greetings, Musings and Thanks!"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/logo.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"> <p>It hasn't been a bad year, all things considered. Season Nine of Doctor Who turned out to be (for the most part) an absolute corker, and I’ve had a great deal of fun reviewing each episode. I hope the reviews have been entertaining to read.. To quote the great Billy Connolly, if you enjoyed reading them half as much as I enjoyed writing them, then I enjoyed them twice as much as you! </p><p>Sticking with Doctor Who, Big Finish have been on splendid form; <em>Only The Monstrous (The War Doctor)</em> and <em>UNIT: Extinction</em> box sets have been outstanding. <em>Doom Coalition</em> was stunning, and the monthly releases have, as always, been superb. The highlight, however, must surely be <em>The Last Adventure</em>, which saw Colin Baker get a much deserved, and long overdue, regeneration story. If you haven’t heard any of these yet, I cannot recommend them highly enough! </p><p>Tomorrow brings another Christmas episode, one which I am trying to keep an open mind about, although the trailer, and imminent return of River Song, doesn’t fill me with confidence. Still, time will tell, and I’ll have fun reviewing it, one way or another! </p><p>On a more personal subject, and for those who haven't seen my tweet, I had an appointment with my oncologist earlier this week, who confirmed my LDH, AFP and HCG levels (tumour markers) are all 100% normal, so I am now officially 34 months CANCER (and one bollock) FREE! Another two years and I will be classed as out of remission and cured! </p><p>This is a humble little blog, a mere minnow in an ocean of much larger, more accomplished fish. Less than a year ago, I was quietly pleased with the fact it had passed 2000 views. It is quite remarkable, gratifying, and incredibly humbling that it has now passed 20,000 views, in the short time I have been blogging. I cannot thank you all enough. The support I have received has been nothing short of extraordinary. </p><p>Special thanks must go to the people below, who have either written guest posts, or agreed to be interviewed for the blog. I'm incredibly grateful to each and every one of you. Likewise, to each person who has read, retweeted, shared and commented, I offer my sincere and heartfelt thanks (fuck me, this is turning into an Oscar speech!). I write purely for pleasure, but I can't deny it is immensely satisfying to know that people read, and enjoy my blog posts. Please do take the time to follow them on Twitter, and where given, have a peek at their blogs. I firmly believe that, rather than view each other as “competition”, fellow bloggers should support each other. I certainly enjoy reading all of your blogs! </p><p>And so my thanks go to… </p><p><em>For their Doctor Who related submissions</em> </p><div> <div></div> <div>&nbsp;</div></div> <div>Neil Dymond-Green <a href="mailto:Neil@neilrdg" target="_blank">@neilrdg</a> </div> <div><a href="http://www.twitter.com/neilrdg" target="_blank">http://neilrdg.wordpress.com/</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Life in the Gaps <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lifeinthegaps" target="_blank">@lifeinthegaps</a> </div> <div><a href="http://life-in-the-gaps.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://life-in-the-gaps.blogspot.com/</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Shawn Lunn <a href="mailto:S@shawnlunnn2002" target="_blank">@shawnlunnn2002</a></div> <div><a href="http://shawnlunn2002.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://shawnlunn2002.blogspot.co.uk/</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Will Egan<a href="https://www.twitter.com/willegan95" target="_blank"> @willegan95</a> </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Owen (The Cypher)<a href="mailto:O@The__Cypher" target="_blank"><font color="#ffffff">&nbsp;</font>@The__Cypher</a> </div> <div><a href="http://cypherdeciphered.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://cypherdeciphered.blogspot.co.uk/</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Adil Nogdalla<a href="http://www.twitter.com/Nougdalla98" target="_blank"> @Nougdalla98</a> </div> <div><a href="http://t.co/FXzTfJL8tW" target="_blank">thecosmichobo2.blogspot.co.uk</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>BlueCollarDrWho<a href="https://www.twitter.com/bluecollardrwho" target="_blank"> @bluecollardrwho</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Jack Ryan<a href="http://www.twitter.com/classicdwfan" target="_blank"> @classicdwfan</a> </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>ATrueDrWhoFan<a href="https://www.twitter.com/atruedrwhofan" target="_blank"> @atruedrwhofan</a> </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><em>For his interview on his artwork;</em></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Sam Bentley<a href="https://twitter.com/SamRBentley" target="_blank"> @SamRBentley</a> </div> <div><a href="http://samrichardbentley.wix.com/samrichardbentley" target="_blank">http://samrichardbentley.wix.com/samrichardbentley</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><em>For her wonderfully entertaining and uplifting “bucket list”;</em></div> <div>Karen<a href="https://www.twitter.com/KarenKts11" target="_blank"> @KarenKts11</a> </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><em>And lastly, for the open and honest interview regarding the loss of their son Layton; </em></div> <div>Dave and Nichol<a href="https://twitter.com/davehope80" target="_blank"> @davehope80</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NicholBoys" target="_blank">@NicholBoys</a> </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p>There are those who will not spend Christmas with loved ones this year. Nichol and Dave face a Christmas without their little boy, my Uncle sadly passed away a week or so ago, and I know there are others who have lost friends and family members. My thoughts and condolences are with each and every one of you. I notice all of your tweets, and whilst I may not always comment, I do think of you, especially at this time of year. </p><p>I also have to make a special mention to my friend Martin, better known as <a href="http://www.twitter.com/BadWilf">@BadWilf</a> for his extraordinary efforts in making the dreams of a sick child come true. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23drwhodaniel&amp;src=tyah">#DrWhoDaniel</a> has gone from strength to strength, due largely to his sterling work, which you can find out more about <a href="http://badwilf.com/help-for-daniel/">HERE</a>, and the young fan, who missed a Doctor Who festival due to his hospitalisation, has had messages of support from cast and crew of Doctor Who, and even a visit from Peter Capaldi. I can honestly say, I have never been more proud to be a Doctor Who fan. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_zGmjhtcyhU/VnyASrMqXSI/AAAAAAAABiI/eGeh8xl2ZjE/s1600-h/tardis_christmas_wallpaper_by_stellarowan-d4j1p0d%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="tardis_christmas_wallpaper_by_stellarowan-d4j1p0d" style="border: 0px; background-image: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; width: 400px; height: auto;" border="0" alt="tardis_christmas_wallpaper_by_stellarowan-d4j1p0d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qzEX6qZccgY/VnyATo1EV2I/AAAAAAAABiQ/f4tWfen00FQ/tardis_christmas_wallpaper_by_stellarowan-d4j1p0d_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="400" height="413" id="id_6ec1_442d_d2f3_9737"></a> </p><p align="center"><strong>And so, to all of you, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong></strong>&nbsp;</p> <p align="center"><em>Dedicated to the memory of my dear friend John, my Uncle George &amp; Layton Boys-Hope</em></p>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-26962286999703067382015-12-16T22:07:00.000+00:002015-12-17T12:15:27.248+00:00Series Nine Guest round Up - Part Three<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Series Nine Guest Round-up - Part 3"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Series Nine Guest Round-up - Part 3"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/logo.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"> <div><i>Welcome to Part 3 of the guest submissions, in which we take a retrospective look back at Series 9. Today's guest posts come from Neil Dymond-Green and J.M aka "Life in the Gaps". We begin with Neil's submission. As with the previous posts, which can be found here (part one, part two), they are presented unedited, and need no comment from me. Enjoy!</i> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><b>Thoughts on Doctor Who Series 9 </b></div> <div><b><br></b>Rather than go episode by episode through the series, I wanted to examine three areas which bugged me about series 9 of Doctor Who.<br><br><b>Cliffhangers </b><br><br>I was really pleased to hear that Moffat planned to bring back two (or more) parters for series 9. It's been quite a while since a series had more than a smattering of cliffhangers and they are historically quite an element of Doctor Who.<br><br>But what is Moffat playing at with them? When I was a child watching Doctor Who, cliffhangers were exciting points to keep you guessing for a week (or less during season 19 when the show was broadcast on Mondays and Tuesdays). But... and for me this is a big but, the excitement was also in wondering how the Doctor or his companion would resolve the cliffhanger and seeing that straight away at the start of the next episode.<br><br>And this is not something we got to see during series 9. Instead, the start of the next episode would veer off in a completely different direction. Let's examine them individually:<br><br><b>The Magician's Apprentice'</b>s cliffhanger is that Missy and Clara are apparently exterminated. But at the start of <b>The Witch's Familia</b>r there are alive and outside the Dalek city. We then get a vague story about the Doctor before Missy hand-waves away the fact that she used the energy from the Dalek's weapons to activate the transporter. </div> <div><br><b>Under the Lake</b> ends with the Doctor having travelled back in time and apparently reappearing as a ghost. Leaving aside the problem I have with any cliffhanger that says the lead character of the show is dead, we then find ourselves in the TARDIS at the start of <b>Before the Flood</b> with the Doctor addressing the audience (and I hate the fourth wall being broken) about how the story will be resolved with the Bootstrap Paradox. The cliffhanger is again only really addressed later on in a hand wavey 'oh well, it was a hologram all along, see' way.<br><br><b>The Zygon Invasion</b> ends with the Zygon version of Clara shooting down the Doctor's plane. Then, at the start of <b>The Zygon Inversion</b>, we find ourselves in a simulation of Clara's flat. We do find out that Clara is able to (conveniently) influence her counterpart's actions and give the Doctor enough time to escape.<br><br>I have no problem with the pseudo cliffhanger of <b>Face the Rave</b>n as the next story is effectively the resolution to it. But then we get to the end of <b>Heaven Sent</b>. We're all on Gallifrey, which has been lost for some time, all hell is promised to break loose and it's exciting. You may be able to imagine me actually shouting at the screen when <b>Hell Bent</b> started with the Doctor meeting Clara in a diner.<br><br><b>Over-use and under-use </b><br>It must have seemed like a great idea to bring back Kate Stewart for the Zygon two-parter. She effectively fills the role that the Brigadier did for the Third Doctor onwards - a valuable friend and ally, albeit one whose methods the Doctor didn't always completely agree with. But then she is sent off on a pretty pointless mission (on her own? she's in charge of UNIT!) and disappears for a big chunk of the story.<br><br>Likewise, Gallifrey. The Doctor's home planet has effectively been missing since the start of the new series and especially since it was somehow locked away at the end of The Day of the Doctor. It's a huge deal that we are finally back there. Except the episode barely manages half an hour there, because of Moffat's obsession with keeping his beloved Clara alive (sort of).<br><br>Meanwhile, we get the overuse of veiled comments by the Doctor throughout the series about Clara heading towards death (and how much better would it have been if the fan theories had been true about her already being dead and him snatching some last adventures?). We get repeated allusions to the Hybrid - with the eventual vague, hand-wavey non-answer I've come to expect from Moffat. But then, it felt like Clara had outstayed her welcome in the show by this series anyway.<br><br>I'd also argue we had too much of Ashildir/Me during series 9. I didn't feel that she worked as a character - I'm not sure whether this was down to the actor, the writing or a combination thereof. There was little shade to her character. Storywise, it felt unlikely that the Doctor would be rash enough to 'create' her without thinking it through more. Her role in Face the Raven felt very woolly. To be honest, the TIme Lords could have used any agent to get to the Doctor.<br><br>And, after the Doctor's words about it not being a good idea for him to travel with an immortal, it felt horrible watching Ashildir and Time Zombie Clara zoom off in the Diner-TARDIS.<br><br><b>It must have seemed like a good idea at the time... </b><br>It's long been acknowledged that Moffat seems to have a tendency to come up with 'wow ideas' and throw them into the mix without necessarily worrying about whether they make sense in the context of the story. Here are just some of these ideas I spotted during this series.<br><br>In <b>The Witch's Familiar</b> there is a scene which, on one level, is incredibly touching. While discussing the return of Gallifrey, Davros opens his eyes. For once, he is seeing the world naturally. It's beautiful, it's touching - and it's also total BS. So Davros has been able to see for all these years? Why would he sit there with his eyes screwed shut, especially at those moments when Daleks have shot him?<br><br>In the same episode, there is a 'humorous' scene of the Doctor zooming around in Davros' chair. To be honest, I can imagine children have been dreaming of that combination since Davros first appearance forty years ago. But to put it in the show? To do so, you have to write the Doctor out of character as someone who would rip a dying man from his life support/wheelchair just to make a joke about a cup of tea with the Daleks?!<br><br>We have another dreadfully out-of-character moment in <b>Hell Bent</b>. Again, I can see where the appeal of the idea came from. 'Wow! Let's prove once and for all that Time Lords can change gender when they regenerate! We'll show it on screen because people don't seem quite convinced by the Master/Missy thing. Oh, and while we're at it, we'll show that Time Lords can change skin colour too! Hoorah!' On one level, I applaud this - I have no problem with the idea that regeneration can change a person in all sorts of ways (of course, it had sort of already been shown when Romana regenerated at the beginning of Destiny of the Daleks).<br><br>But to do so, Moffat had to write the Doctor horrendously out of character again. The Doctor, a man who abhors guns (and will only usually use them in the most desperate of situations), shoots the General! He doesn't need to. He could pretty much just walk past (he is President, after all). Yes, he asks how many regenerations the General has, but it's been established that regenerating is a fairly traumatic occurrence (and is, for the most part a limited thing). Yet again, a 'wow' idea that really doesn't belong.<br><br>As an aside here, there was a horrible mess with the credits (you can see <a id="id_cc23_37cf_3a19_86a9" href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/url?q%3Dhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06s609f/credits%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;usg%3DAFQjCNFYz_SGaxjrc5SQURsa6ht7J6PhKw&amp;sa=D&amp;ust=1450275194977000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEM-JHx-LZu48C70wRCmRBnRy1DUw" target="_blank">here</a>, but it was also done this way on screen) for the General, with Ken Bones credited as The General but T'Nia Miller credited as the Female General.<br><br> <div style="text-align: center"><img id="id_7153_105_ab73_7569" style="height: auto; width: 600px" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/AIAjMMscItM-bz2PAOjCbpJpTr5g3wVL4hDdTcp0Fpa2a-O8FyENCkZcbFeXDV8S7UjUFCKwWvjdvoNL5NBmyU3nJQWfiJMoe17bHmf91vlnE3niOXmM3vsgla8ApTkJk_YJXV_l=s768"></div> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">Why not credit them both as The General? It's not like multiple actors haven't been credited for the Doctor..</span></div> <div><br></div> <div style="text-align: center"><img id="id_cab5_38aa_8bff_be58" style="height: auto; width: 556px" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/diSZgIrjXv-DGXZQxN-XanseFS3MF9cDgH-WwQatbV0wf7zM1kDOzi0y2EH1F5cZO2TH9haTSzTPKM5nhPjx5KrhG6Qd5wr5Nd5wr5sN9Ek9vq2ybfZwhx0CoJXP-iM-CYT3cXac=s768"></div></div> <div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)"><br></span></div> <div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><br>Neil Dymond-Green<br><br><i>Follow Neil on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/neilrdg">@neilrdg</a>. He also blogs on a somewhat erratic basis (his words!) at <a href="http://neilrdg.wordpress.com/">http://neilrdg.wordpress.com</a></i><br></span><br> <hr id="null"> <i>Our second submission comes from J.M, aka "Life Between the Gaps"</i></div> <div><i><br></i><b>UnDoing Series 9</b></div> <div><b><br></b>I'm fairly new to the blogging scene - especially when it comes to blogging about specific fandoms.<br><br>I've been a fan of Doctor Who since the late 70s/early 80s. And for an American to say that, is quite a feat. Us Americans who grew up with Who are few and far between. (So much, that when I was little, I thought this show aired just for me!) I share that only because it provides a framework for my thoughts and opinions.<br><br>One of the unfortunate aspects of Series 9 is that on first watch, I tended to dislike most of the episodes. ("Under the Lake", "Zygon Inversion", and "Heaven Sent" were the exceptions.) I'm not sure if that's due to all the negativity I come across on Social Media, or if it's because of something simply 'wrong' with the production and it takes me until the second or third watch to get past whatever 'wrong' that I noticed on first watch.<br><br>To be entirely fair, I had written off Doctor Who with "Death in Heaven" (The Brig as a Cyberman??? Really Moffat? WTH were you thinking?)... But then I found myself in London at Christmas last year and there was no way in hell I wasn't going to watch Doctor Who while I was there! So, I watched "Last Christmas". But it wasn't enough to pull me back into the fandom properly. (Not that I was ever really in the fandom. I'm a fan, but I don't go to cons or buy merchandise or anything like that. Remember, I was the only person in my universe who knew about Doctor Who when I was growing up.)<br><br>But this summer, I came across the soundtrack for Series 8, which prompted a proper rewatch - unimpeded by the negativity of social media. I watched it for the soundtrack and found myself watching Peter Capaldi. The man is mesmerising to watch as the Doctor. And between those two elements, I found myself enjoying Doctor Who again.<br><br>This doesn't mean there aren't major problems that I find with pretty much each episode. There are. I majored in Theatre, I've been trained to analyse sets, costumes, lighting, acting choices, story line, character arcs, etc. to death. There's always something to complain about. There's also always something to praise.... Which makes this review difficult. Because everything that I wanted to praise Series 9 for from a story-telling point of view was undone by one single episode.<br><br>All of that provides framework for the rest of this post. Because those are the circumstances that colour my thoughts and opinions about Series 9. I'm going to be focusing primarily on "Hell Bent," since the intent for that episode was to tie at least the previous three episodes together and the entire Series was hinged upon it.<br><br>So, here's the brief Series 9 shake-down (or how all the episodes tie together):</div> <div><br>Magician's Apprentice/Witch's Familiar: Confession Dial, "Doctor assumes he's going to win",</div> <div><br>Under the Lake/Before the Flood: Doctor warns Clara about being too doctory and tells her he has duty of care.</div> <div><br>Girl Who Died: Doctor has duty of care and Clara asks him how he's going to win. "Tidal Waves." "I can do anything"</div> <div><br>Woman Who Lived: They could have just skipped this whole adventure, because the applicable bits were at the end when in the pub and consisted of "tidal waves" and "Doctor's leftovers".</div> <div><br>Zygon Invasion/Inversion: as much as I WANT these to have a purpose in this season, they really don't. (Well, the Doctor's 'Model of War' speech, but I'll get to that later.)</div> <div><br>Sleep No More: Can I pretend I never saw it? However it does serve a purpose because of the images presented without cameras around, made the Doctor search for how the images were projected in the Dial.</div> <div><br>Face the Raven: "Doctor's Leftovers are on Trap Street", Clara's attempt to be doctory backfires. Confession Dial</div> <div><br>Heaven Sent: Confession Dial, confirmation that being like the Doctor is what killed Clara, How does the Doctor win?</div> <div><br>Hell Bent: Confession Dial, "I can do anything"<br><br>If I had the chance to go back in time, I would tell myself: "Whatever you do, don't watch 'Hell Bent'. That one episode undoes everything that you love about Series 9." Every single thing. Yes, I wrote up a piece about all <a id="id_7e9b_e34_a17f_df9d" href="http://life-in-the-gaps.blogspot.com/2015/12/clues-everyone-missed.html" target="_blank">the clues that people missed</a> and how that changes the interpretation, but while that fixed everything associated with the "Diner Scenes", it doesn't fix everything.<br><br>The biggest issue that remains is the Doctor murdering an unarmed person in cold blood. There was nothing right about that and no excuse you can tell me will ever make that right. Ever. At all. If Stephen Moffat should be sent packing from Doctor Who, it is for that one bit of writing (also the use of b***h and a*s* rank up there as poor choices in a pre-watershed show). I can hear people now, 'But Tenth Doctor pointed a gun at Rassilon and Master.' True, with one profound difference: He didn't kill either of them! That one action erased all that was beautiful and glorious about the Doctor's "Model of War Speech" from "Zygon Inversion". In fact, that "War Speech" makes me a little sick to my stomach when I watch it now. Because it feels hypocritical. "Oh, but the Doctor went through four point five billions years in the Confession Dial, he would come out unstable." Unstable, yes. Killing so pointlessly? No. He had control of the room, all he had to do was move Clara to the lift. No one had to die. I really don't know what Moffat was thinking with that one, and given his writing style, I don't think he knows either other than "Drama".<br><br>That said, is it impossible for the Doctor to kill people? No. But then, his instability should have been pressed further. Made clearer. We needed to see more instability earlier in the episode and it just wasn't there. If you want to break the Doctor, fine. I can get behind that. I've Roleplayed and written enough fanfics with broken!Doctor to understand the appeal. But don't do a half-way job that just ends up with things coming off as out of character. The Doctor can break, but he tends to break in very specific ways (Consider Nine in "Dalek", Ten in "Waters of Mars", or Five after "Planet of Fire").<br><br>I was going to do a bit of analysis of 'actor choice' verses 'director vision' verses 'writer intent'. But then, I came across scripts for "<a id="id_5566_9e91_60cd_ccc7" href="http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/tv/isite-static/doctorwho/scripts/DW9-EP-11-Heaven-Sent.pdf" target="_blank">Heaven Sent</a>" and "<a id="id_b618_f067_ca3e_5a87" href="http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/tv/isite-static/doctorwho/scripts/DW9-EP-12-Hell-Bent.pdf" target="_blank">Hell Bent</a>" posted on the BBC Website. I decided it was pointless to do any proper analysis because Moffat is a micromanager script writer. He not only gives detailed camera angles, but he dictates specific facial expressions to be given at specific points. Basically, Moffat's scripts (at least those two) don't leave a lot of room for debate or creativity. That said, I'm left asking "What was the Doctor's Motivation for killing the General?" The only explanation we're given is when the Doctor says to Clara "It was him or you." No. There were a dozen options besides killing the General. So, I'm left with no choice but to chalk that up to bad writing. Moffat has detailed so many other things and all we get here is "Horror: the Doctor shoots him." Sorry, that's not good enough. I need to know the Doctor's mental processes that led to the decision to kill instead of running.<br><br>Bringing Clara back from the dead indefinitely was another major problem. For once I'm going to agree with Ashildr: Clara's death was beautiful. Even if I didn't care for the plot of "Face the Raven", even if I felt some aspects dragged on too long, the set-up for Clara's death and her speech to the Doctor just prior to her facing the raven was extraordinary.<br><br>I admit, I've never been a fan of Clara. I didn't hate her, I was just underwhelmed. Then, especially post-Danny Pink, she finally started to have depth and scope and was more than just an "I'm a special snowflake, so like me" character. I started to sort of care what happened to her. The fact that she had this exquisite death that was on par with Adric's death in 1982, well, nearly had me in tears. For a character I don't care for? That's a pretty admirable accomplishment.<br><br>But with "Hell Bent" she's back and who knows for how long. She had this glorious death and it meant nothing. That's not an 'interesting plot twist.' It completely undid everything that came before. Even all of Clara's echoes saving the Doctor. Maybe they weren't echoes. Maybe they were all her post-death. (See how easy it is to completely change all of Series 7 and 8 as well?) This is not clever, this was just poor story-telling.<br><br>The Doctor in both "Heaven Sent" and "Hell Bent" is presented to be traumatised by Clara's death. It's as if he's never been through anything like that before. Okay, so back in "Girl Who Died", he said:<br><br>"I'll lose any war you like. I'm sick of losing people. Look at you, with your eyes, and your never giving up, and your anger, and your kindness. One day, the memory of that will hurt so much that I won't be able to breathe, and I'll do what I always do. I'll get in my box and I'll run and I'll run, in case all the pain ever catches up."<br><br>Yes he did say that. And why do you think he knows that's how he'll react? It's because he's been through it before. It's like he says at the end of that episode, "Immortality isn't living forever. That's not what it feels like. Immortality is everybody else dying."<br><br>He knows that because he's lived it before. Going all the way back to the first companion death: Katarina and as recently as the Pond-Williams. So what the heck made Clara's death so special that her death in particular would be what drove him to break the rules (again)? I need that explained. And that is a reflection of poor writing as well. From someone who writes as many details into the script as Moffat does, I expect more. (Maybe if he spent less time trying to dictate actor/director choices and more time telling the story, things would be different.)<br><br>It's as if with each series, Moffat ignores everything that happened before. And there's a big problem with that. This Doctor is the same Doctor as he was when he looked like William Hartnell. Are you seriously trying to tell me that when the Doctor went through all this hubris when he looked like David Tennant on Mars that he would just forget it all? Heck, he had made a Tidal wave in Ashildr and questioned himself about it and that wouldn't stop him? Basically from a Character Development standpoint "Hell Bent" doesn't make an ounce of sense, either within Series 9 contained or within all of Who history as a whole.<br><br>Worse than everything else though, "Hell Bent" undoes everything I loved about Series 9 and everything I started to like about Clara as a character. Even the episodes where I liked Clara "Under the Lake", "Girl Who Died", and "Face the Raven", I can't like now, knowing that all that amazing character growth was undone in "Hell Bent".<br><br>About the only part that was 'right' without needing any amount of mental gymnastics to fix was how the TARDIS 'booted up'/welcomed the Doctor upon his return. So watch the first 18 or so minutes and the last three minutes and then the Series holds up. If you watch the rest, then "Hell Bent" goes down the drain and takes the rest of the series with it.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><i>You can follow J.M on Twitter at </i><a id="id_34ab_b772_1ec6_73f5" href="http://www.twitter.com/lifeinthegaps" target="_blank">@lifeinthegaps</a><i> and read her blog, which you can find at <a id="id_cc90_2a91_a36c_d9da" href="http://life-in-the-gaps.blogspot.com" target="_blank">http://life-in-the-gaps.blogspot.com/</a></i></div></div> <p>My thanks to Neil and J.M for taking the time and effort to write for me.. It is very much appreciated!</p>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-53312506393156768832015-12-14T16:20:00.000+00:002015-12-14T16:20:24.601+00:00Series Nine Guest Round-up - Part One<div><i>Having written my own&nbsp;</i><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/seasons-musings.html" id="id_d1a4_8d2d_2cc0_3e90">summation of Series 9</a><i>, I thought it might be fun to open up the blog to some of your thoughts. They are posted in no particular order, and shorter submission are merged into one post, purely for aesthetic reasons. They are completely unedited, and need no comment from me! So, our first submission comes from fellow blogger Shawn Lunn...</i></div><meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"><meta name="twitter:description" content="Series Nine Guest Round-up - Part 1"><meta name="twitter:title" content="Series Nine Guest Round-up - Part 1"><meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"><meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"><meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/logo.jpg"><meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"><b><div><b><br></b></div>Promotion &amp; Ratings</b> <br>Two of the hardest things to ignore about the recently aired ninth series of Doctor Who (or Series 35) has been the way in which the show has been promoted and the ratings it's generated. In both cases, some concern has arisen. <br><br>The promotion on this show has taken something of a strange hit in the Moffat era with some information being revealed in a frustratingly cryptic manner and in other cases, too much information at once. The Comic-Con trailer used to promote the ninth series drew criticism for the unwise soundbyte of 'same old, same old' in relation to the continuous dynamic with the 12th Doctor and Clara Oswald but remember the days when this show used to give us beautiful concept trailers? We had glorious ones like the Ninth Doctor running from a fireball as Rose Tyler contemplated jacking in her ordinary life for adventures in time and space as well as the beautiful split screen effective for the Tenth Doctor and Martha Jones. And don't get me started on that campfire trailer we got for the fourth series with Donna Noble. That was truly epic in every sense of the word. <br><br>In Moffat's era, the only trailers to match that level of anticipation was the Series 5 one with the Eleventh Doctor and Amy Pond floating inside the Time Vortex as well as the 50th anniversary one showing us the great legacy of the show. Unfortunately these days, the trailers feel too brief and a little cobbled together and even something like Doctor Who Extra (the Capaldi era version of Confidential) is needlessly broken into bytes rather than one solid chunk altogether. <br><br>You have to wonder what's going on with the BBC and the promotion team at the moment. It's weird when you see them doing everything in their power to downplay Davros's return at the start of the series but going into overdrive to remind everyone that Gallifrey was returning, even if it ended up being barely used in the recent finale. I am hoping that the BBC have paid attention to these noticeable blunders and make a better effort into promoting Series 10 when it should happen to air. <br><br>Then there's the ratings. Okay, let's be honest. Once everything is totalled up, the show is still attracting between 5-6 million viewers and considering it's growth Stateside, it's in no real danger of actual cancellation but between the erratic promotion and inconsistent timeslots (8pm is too late for children - I'm not a parent and even I get that), the ratings have been down enough for it to be an actual concern. Personally, I think it's time for the BBC to move the show back to Spring and air it around the 6pm-7pm mark as it mainly did during the RTD years and during the early start of Moffat's era too. With the tenth series alluding to something of a reboot (and possibly Steven Moffat's last one), maybe things will take a turn for the better with the show in relation to promotion and overall ratings. <br><br><em>Shaun runs an excellent blog, which you can check out&nbsp;</em><a href="http://shawnlunn2002.blogspot.co.uk" id="id_cd74_3a5a_42d8_7810" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<em>&nbsp;You can also follow him on Twitter at&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.twitter.com/shawnlunn2002" id="id_707a_e5e_3ac2_570a" target="_blank">@shawnlunn2002</a><br>&nbsp; <br><hr><i>The second submission comes from Will Egan..</i><br><div><br></div><div>It’s that time of year again. Our time travelling hero has finished another run of adventures (*sobs*), which can only mean one thing…a series appraisal! Before this series I must admit to have been rather pessimistic on how series 9 would pan out quality wise. I needn’t have worried-it was great and an improvement over series 8 which I also enjoyed massively. <br><br>I’m sure many others on here will be waxing lyrical over Peter Capaldi whom is fast shaping up to be one of the finest Doctors to have ever graced the screen. All I’m going to say is that Capaldi was simply magnificent this series, with his anti-war speech in <i>The Zygon Inversion</i> being worthy of a BAFTA alone. We really are lucky o have such a fine actor (and person!) to play our favourite Time Lord. The dynamic between Capaldi and Coleman worked wonders again this year and I was glad that Jenna got more opportunities to show what a wonderful actor she is. Occasionally, I felt the character of Clara became somewhat underused this series, especially in <i>Sleep No More</i> and I do wish her departure had been done in a less convoluted way. Nevertheless, I am one of the few Clara fans in the Whovian world and was rather sorry to see her leave. <br><br>One of the biggest changes to this series was the change in structure, particularly the increase in two parters. The return of cliff-hangers was something I've wanted to see for a long time and this series provided us with some absolute belters. Many of the two parters in NuWho have seemed to become poorer in their second halves but that certainly wasn’t the case this series with <i>The Witch’s Familiar </i>and <i>The Zygon Inversion</i> being improvements over there predecessors. Now that we have two parters back I really want them to become a regular fixture in the upcoming series as it allows the plot and supporting characters to develop to another level. <br><br>No series is perfect (although season 7 is close) and there were problems in series 9. While I admire the team for trying something different the found footage of <i>Sleep No More</i> made a very interesting plot become a confused mess on screen. I personally loathed <i>The Girl Who Died</i> for various reasons-mainly the idiotic ‘baby talk’, while the alien subplot in <i>The Woman Who Lived</i> added very little to that story and made little sense. The finale <i>Hell Bent </i>was a particularly peculiar beast, a highly flawed but a watchable and surprisingly enjoyable story. In fact, my main frustration of this series was ‘The Hybrid’ plotline, which seemingly came from nowhere and was never sufficiently answered. It’s a problem that’s common with the series arcs of Steven Moffat, although thankfully this one was a lot better than the incoherent mess that is series 6. I also have major problems with the BBC’s publicity of this series, along with all the spoilers they broke (I miss surprises!) but that’s an entire article on its own. <br><br>I’ve listed the negatives but it’s fair to say the positives vastly outweigh them. The opening two parter was brilliant and it was a joy to see various Daleks in their beautifully recreated city. Julian Bleach was a very welcome return, once again giving a superb performance as Davros. The conversation scenes between him and Peter Capaldi were a definite series highlight, showing how two excellent actors can carry over 30 minutes of dialogue scenes alone. It was a great to have a properly scary ‘base under siege’ tale return to the series with <i>Under the Lake</i> and the character of Cass should go down as one of the best ‘one off character’ the shows history. Credit to Toby Whithouse for giving a strong role to a deaf character on screen, so wonderfully portrayed by Sophie Leigh Stone. <br><br>The Zygon two parter was the crème de la crème of the series and to me Moffat’s era as a whole. I love any Doctor Who that really gets you thinking, and mixing a cracking monster story with a very political one fused beautifully. Seriously, those final 15 minutes or so of <i>The Zygon Inversion</i> are some of my favourite of any television show ever! <i>Face the Raven</i> was an enjoyable tale, while <i>Heaven Sent </i>was one of the darkest and most ambitious tales ever on the show. <br>If there’s one thing I don’t think a lot of reviews have touched on about series 9 it’s how gorgeous it all looked. I don’t mean the effects (excellent as always) but the actual set design. The Dalek city was beautifully re-created, while the dark corridors of the base in <i>Under The Lake</i> made the tale even more chilling. Although a clear rip-off of Diagon Alley, the alien trap street of <i>Face the Raven </i>looked great but the undoubted highlight for me was the original TARDIS set in the finale. I mean wow! The countless design nods to the First Doctor’s TARDIS were simply a feast for the eyes and to see Capaldi piloting it was a moment that will live long in the memory. <br><br>So, farewell series 9, in my opinion the strongest run for <i>Doctor Who</i> for 5 years! Roll on the future… it’s looking brighter all the time. <br><br>Scores on the doors: <br><br>The Magician’s Apprentice: 8/10<br>The Witch’s Familiar: 9/10<br>Under the Lake: 8.5/10<br>Before the Flood: 8/10<br>The Girl Who Died: 2/10<br>The Woman Who Lived: 6/10<br>The Zygon Invasion: 9/10<br>The Zygon Inversion: 10/10<br>Sleep No More: 4/10<br>Face the Raven: 7/10<br>Heaven Sent; 8/10<br>Hell Bent: 7.5/10<br><br><em>Follow Will on Twitter&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.twitter.com/willegan95" id="id_ffa1_923e_d6c4_fc1c" target="_blank">@WillEgan95</a></div><div><br></div><div><i>Part two of your submissions can be found&nbsp;</i><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/series-nine-guest-round-up-part-one.html" id="id_50fa_8df2_b09a_ccbd" target="_blank">HERE</a><i>, and my thanks go to Shaun and Will for taking the time to write for my humble little blog!&nbsp;</i></div><div><br></div>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-7433634282587920342015-12-14T16:15:00.000+00:002015-12-14T16:20:04.974+00:00Series Nine Guest Round-up - Part Two<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"><meta name="twitter:description" content="Series Nine Guest Round-up - Part 2"><meta name="twitter:title" content="Series Nine Guest Round-up - Part 2!"><meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"><meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"><meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/logo.jpg"><meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"><i>Continuing with the guest submissions, fellow tweeter and nascent blogger, Owen Conway, aka "The Cypher" shares his thoughts on Series 9. If you haven't already read part one of your submissions, you can find it&nbsp;</i><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/series-nine-guest-round-up-part-one.html" id="id_b28_ed80_7b75_4e32" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<i>Enjoy!</i><br><div class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid;"><br></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" id="id_c4ce_db8e_c3f2_6f3d" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaPlVX-i0Mk/Vm7IeWhWQNI/AAAAAAAABhs/8ppGz9M3fUs/s1600/series-9-wallpaper-4x3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="461" id="id_7ece_12b_6dbb_250a" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaPlVX-i0Mk/Vm7IeWhWQNI/AAAAAAAABhs/8ppGz9M3fUs/s640/series-9-wallpaper-4x3.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This image perfectly describes Series 9 - No interference, just running through the universe</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span><br><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">It feels like merely yesterday that we were gathering around the television set, ready to watch the premier of Series 9 "The Magician's Apprentice" and already, the series has come to a close. 2015 has been an incredible year for Doctor Who. It is, of course, the 10<sup>th</sup> Anniversary of the New Series of Doctor Who – and as such, BBC Wales have put one hell of a series together. I'm going to be writing a brief paragraph or two on each episode this year, bearing in mind I've only re-watched a couple (Not because they're bad episodes, I just can't watch something immediately after it's aired).</span></div><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6erpJmCYOTs/Vm7IbCOc4rI/AAAAAAAABhk/H4KZ_vFS5Ls/s1600/p032ks7f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" id="id_260f_9d54_7e08_31" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6erpJmCYOTs/Vm7IbCOc4rI/AAAAAAAABhk/H4KZ_vFS5Ls/s320/p032ks7f.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 320px;" width="320"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">We began Series 9 with the first part of a two-parter "The Magician's Apprentice", which featured the return of The Master, Davros and the Daleks. I really liked this episode. A common complaint is that not a lot happens in the episode, which is true, really. The Master brings Clara to The Doctor's performance in Essex during the Middle Ages. Colony Sarff somehow time travels to them, and brings them Back to the Future™, and to a medical facility in space. The Doctor is then taken to see Davros, who is apparently dying. This episode touches on a lot of dark themes, such as killing a child (specifically, Davros). One of my hopes for Series 9 was that it would be a lot darker, and it certainly delivers on that aspect. It then turns out they've actually been taken to Skaro , and the Dalek City set is made to pay homage to the first Dalek story, <b>The Daleks (1963).</b> The episode ends on a cliffhanger, involving the extermination of The Master and Clara, and The Doctor going back in time to kill Davros as a child.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnsM9hcolCM/Vm7Ia8I8CxI/AAAAAAAABhc/Kfj673w53WU/s1600/maxresdefault%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" id="id_aaf3_3a95_12a8_9ff" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnsM9hcolCM/Vm7Ia8I8CxI/AAAAAAAABhc/Kfj673w53WU/s320/maxresdefault%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 320px;" width="320"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The following week, we had the second part "The Witch's Familiar", which involved The Master explaining to Clara how they managed to survive being exterminated (by using the energy of the weapon in question to charge the vortex manipulator and teleport away). This episode involves some intense dialogue between The Doctor and Davros. It is, of course, all part of Davros' plan to purge regeneration energy from The Doctor. The Master eventually comes to the rescue, and The Doctor explains how Davros has given energy to all Daleks, including the ones down in the Dalek sewer. They become angry, and destroy the Daleks above, along with the whole city.</span><br><span lang="EN-US"><br></span><span lang="EN-US">The second part definitely felt better and more energetic. It got straight to the point, which is what I liked. A common feature of this series is that you'll find one part is better than the other, as it was with Dark Water/Death in Heaven last year (the former of that story being better, in my opinion). Overall, a good story – despite the fact it wasn't explained how all the Daleks were on Skaro or how Davros survived the destruction of The Crucible in the Series 4 episode "Journey's End".<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IcE_K9D66wo/Vm7IgGpdvfI/AAAAAAAABh0/3ks_7oHX_RI/s1600/underthelake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" id="id_8235_2ef1_a972_5387" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IcE_K9D66wo/Vm7IgGpdvfI/AAAAAAAABh0/3ks_7oHX_RI/s640/underthelake.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640"></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Capaldi: “What? They’re ghosts? Actual ghosts?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">After that, we had the first of yet another two-parter entitled "Under the Lake", which was definitely a strong story. Paying homage to the classic "base-under-siege" setup, The Doctor and Clara found themselves on an undersea base known as The Drum, where there were real ghosts out for blood that only came out at night. During these 45 minutes, there was extremely good storytelling, great acting and fantastic representation of deaf people in the form of Cass – who was portrayed as a feisty and independent woman – moving away from the stereotypical deaf person. The story ended on the bombshell that The Doctor had become a ghost. The second part of this story, "Before the Flood", was a bit flat. It felt drastically different to that which came before it, and was less of an adrenaline rush. While it did tie up the plot threads quite nicely, the main foe here, the Fisher King, was drastically underused, which was a major disappointment. Overall though, another good story here. Toby Whithouse did a really good job, and I hope to see more from him in Series 10.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TrEkS0IlEHU/Vm7IaNZjJxI/AAAAAAAABhM/6fCwWrSWnJk/s1600/The_Girl_Who_Died_review__Maisie_Williams_and_the_Vikings_conquer_Doctor_Who.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" id="id_fccf_9a4e_800f_c25c" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TrEkS0IlEHU/Vm7IaNZjJxI/AAAAAAAABhM/6fCwWrSWnJk/s320/The_Girl_Who_Died_review__Maisie_Williams_and_the_Vikings_conquer_Doctor_Who.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 320px;" width="320"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">My real disappointment began with what I like to consider a two-parter, when "The Girl Who Died" aired the following week. The BBC really put all their effort into advertising this episode, due to the fact this big Game of Thrones actress, Maisie Williams, was in it. Despite the fact it was a co-write between Jamie Mathieson (who gave us two great episodes the previous year) and Steven Moffat, I went into this episode with low expectations – and I'm glad I did. It was proof that the BBC only advertised this story due to Maisie Williams – because it was just a tad crap. The Doctor and Clara landed in a Viking village, where they were taken to see Odin (who was actually part of an alien race called the Mire). Clara negotiated Odin's departure from the planet, however, Ashildr (played by Maisie Williams) decided to be a bit of an idiot and declare war on the Mire. Odin accepted Ashildr's challenge and The Doctor had to try and train the people of the village in combat, to no avail. He then hatched a plan to use electric eels, an awful CGI dragon and a video recording to force Odin to leave.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Ashildr died by using a Mire helmet and The Doctor realized he had taken on the face of Lobus Caecilius from the Series 4 episode "The Fires of Pompeii" (Lobus was played by Peter Capaldi, and was his first appearance in Doctor Who). The Doctor realized the face was to remind him to save anyone he could, regardless of how right or wrong it was. The Doctor then took a Mire immortality chip thingy, and placed it on Ashildr's forehead, where it sunk in and made her immortal. It's safe to say I consider this episode the worst of Series 9. It’s just bloody awful.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">This story was continued the following week, with "The Woman Who Lived". This episode is just slightly better than "The Girl Who Died" - due to its exploration of the themes around immortality. I'd say it goes into more depth than that of Captain Jack Harkness' immortality story (which we saw in the Torchwood episode "Fragments"). Moreover, Clara doesn't feature for most of this episode (which is a good thing), and features only The Doctor and Ashildr, now calling herself "Me". This episode is set in London, 1651 – and features Me as a Highway Woman. She's on a mission to help this big cat person (who, in turn, betrays her). This episode was a lot better than the previous one, and rounds off the Me arc quite nicely. Unfortunately, it isn't that simple – as you'll find out later in this review.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UL140RqpyeU/Vm7IUMDD53I/AAAAAAAABg0/YsV-XBxSsdo/s1600/25-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" id="id_383d_923c_6f09_10e" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UL140RqpyeU/Vm7IUMDD53I/AAAAAAAABg0/YsV-XBxSsdo/s320/25-3.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 320px;" width="320"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Following this, we had a Zygon two-parter, starting with "The Zygon Invasion". This episode featured the return of UNIT, Kate Stewart, Osgood and the Zygons. It is a sequel to 2013's 50<sup>th</sup>Anniversary special "The Day of the Doctor" - and features a break down in the Human-Zygon alliance. It also involves some political themes (such as ISIS) being translated into Doctor Who. A rogue Zygon fraction who are sick of disguising themselves as humans threaten to tear the world apart. However, the vast majority of Zygons disagree with them, and merely wants to live in peace. A large portion of UNIT is taken over, including Clara. The lead Zygon "Bonnie" takes down Zygon High Command and disguises herself as Clara. This episode poses some interesting questions, such as "Is Osgood Human or Zygon?" (Which we never get a definitive answer to). The episode ends on a cliffhanger, involving Bonnie shooting a rocket, which blows up The Doctor's presidential plane, along with him and Osgood, presumably. The second part of the story, oddly named “The Zygon Inversion”, is quite a blur to me. I can hardly remember what actually happens – because, my memory is dominated by that fabulous speech by Peter Capaldi about the Time War. I’ll try and puzzle it together as best I can.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">So, they somehow survive the explosion and parachute down back down to Earth, where it’s now The Doctor and Osgood vs. the rest of the world. They then get into a car, drive around London? (While something which suspiciously sounds like the James Bond theme plays in the background). They then arrive at the Black Archive, where there are two Osgood boxes. The Doctor then does his absolutely fabulous speech about the Time War. I have to say, this has to be one of Capaldi’s best performances as The Doctor – if not his best. It then turns out neither box has anything in them, and everyone leave happily ever after. The Human-Zygon alliance resumes once more.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Iy0jgi_af0/Vm7IWgOpX3I/AAAAAAAABg8/cvSWIoLzdLk/s1600/90796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" id="id_e3ea_5d9d_594e_1446" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Iy0jgi_af0/Vm7IWgOpX3I/AAAAAAAABg8/cvSWIoLzdLk/s640/90796.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">The Doctor: “Clara…I don’t think they like you.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-after: avoid; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">After this, we had Sleep No More. Everyone seems to hate this episode through and through, comparing it with the likes of Love &amp; Monsters and Fear Her. I don’t think it is actually as bad as people make out. Most people complain about the found footage camera technique, which I actually rather like (having watched Cloverfield about a year ago). Professor Rassmussen created a machine which allows a person to go without sleep for long periods of time. However, the machine has a dangerous side effect – as regular users turn into something called “Sandmen”, an unofficial term for them as they are made of sleep dust that gathers in human eyes. Obviously, due to the camera techniques used in the episode, we get a mix of helmet mounted cameras and CCTV. Funnily enough, I noticed upon first broadcast that the characters didn’t have cameras attached to them. I thought it was a mistake, however it turns out it was part of the Morpheus process – and I was pleased that I had noticed the lack of cameras. Murray Gold provides an amazing soundtrack with a synth feel to it – reminding me of films like Blade Runner. Overall, an interesting episode – but certainly not the worst! (Looking at you, The Girl Who Died).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;" id="id_dc45_d2c0_d7e5_47b5"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm58P2Yl8Ks/Vm7ITreAzhI/AAAAAAAABgw/CO8cgwPIoCI/s1600/0x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" id="id_3b44_6f66_848c_2688" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm58P2Yl8Ks/Vm7ITreAzhI/AAAAAAAABgw/CO8cgwPIoCI/s320/0x600.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 320px;" width="320"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ACTION REPLAY: For your viewing pleasure, here is Clara – dying</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t202" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="202" path="m,l,21600r21600,l21600,xe"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Text_x0020_Box_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t202" style='position:absolute;margin-left:2.5pt;margin-top:174.95pt; width:226.7pt;height:21.2pt;z-index:251664384;visibility:visible; mso-wrap-style:square;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0; mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0; mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text; 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was the calm before the storm, as after this we got Face The Raven – the first of a three-parter. We haven’t had a three-parter since Series 3 (2007), so I was intrigued and excited by this prospect. I think everyone is aware of my dislike for Clara Oswald, so (thanks to the BBC for spoiling her death) I was hyped for her departure. Face the Raven would have been a fantastic episode, even without her death. Unfortunately, it featured the return of the <s>bloody awful </s>actress Maisie Williams, again playing Me. It appears she’s been contacted by the Time Lords to transport The Doctor into his confession dial. However, things don’t go according to plan, as Clara attempts to be The Doctor, however in doing so, she gets herself killed. One so loves fireworks, as afterwards, the hashtag #ClaraDeathParty was trending on Twitter. I actually got a Twix and a drink to celebrate Clara’s painful demise. The Doctor, however, seemed unwilling to accept Clara was just a complete idiot, instead blaming Me for her death. After such a momentous occasion, we then got another great episode the following week.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UPUu2HGtZIM/Vm7IYBUcvRI/AAAAAAAABhE/itKUm4uLMx4/s1600/Single_hander_episode_Heaven_Sent_is__100__undiluted_Doctor_Who__says_Peter_Capaldi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" id="id_3ca8_ba47_4c8b_c336" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UPUu2HGtZIM/Vm7IYBUcvRI/AAAAAAAABhE/itKUm4uLMx4/s320/Single_hander_episode_Heaven_Sent_is__100__undiluted_Doctor_Who__says_Peter_Capaldi.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 320px;" width="320"></a></div>Heaven Sent – I mean, come on; who can deny 55 minutes of Peter Capaldi being a total boss? He absolutely owned the episode. It did feature a manifestation of Clara, but it wasn’t actually her, so I can let that off. It showed, in detail, the thought processes of The Doctor in his attempts to avoid a being known as The Veil, who follows him through the castle.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br>The Doctor could see exactly where The Veil was by looking at the screens placed throughout the castle. The Doctor eventually discovered the room “12”, with a diamond wall in the way. It took him trillions of years to break through it, but when he did, he found himself on Gallifrey. I would have been shocked by this cliffhanger; however, the BBC spoiled it. Someone I follow on Twitter noted that because The Doctor burnt up his mind to create a new version of himself, the original Doctor is dead. I find that quite sad. Plus, can we just have a moment of appreciation for Murray Gold and his 80’s synth about 8 minutes into the episode as The Doctor examines that painting of Clara. Did that remind anyone else of 80’s Doctor Who?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vO0gAEJFNU/Vm7IagefBFI/AAAAAAAABhg/-9g0-lrqYk8/s1600/New%2BGallifrey.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" id="id_a636_49e4_b212_e101" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vO0gAEJFNU/Vm7IagefBFI/AAAAAAAABhg/-9g0-lrqYk8/s640/New%2BGallifrey.png" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">I bloody love this image. So much so, I made it my desktop background!</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/$clip_image0045.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span lang="EN-US">Upon viewing the Next Time trailer for Hell Bent, I was so excited by the prospect of Gallifrey’s long-awaited return. I imagined a Doctor vs. Rassilon battle in The Doctor’s search to discover what The Hybrid is. Instead, we got something very different. The first 30 minutes of this 1 hour episode were a true work of art. The Doctor returns to the barn on Gallifrey, where someone (who is implied to be his mother) finds him. Rassilon then sends guards, high council members, but The Doctor doesn’t care. Rassilon himself then goes to the barn, and The Doctor expresses his disgust with Rassilon, blaming him for the travesties of the Time War. The chancellery guards, including The General, then join The Doctor, and he orders Rassilon to be deposed and exiled from Gallifrey. I honestly didn’t see this coming, but I didn’t mind. The Doctor then takes on the role of Lord President and talks to The General. The Doctor then does what he came back to Gallifrey to do – and this is where the episode takes an unfortunate turn. He goes to an extraction chamber and orders Clara to be pulled from her time zone, just before the moment of her death. In an unexpected turn of events, The Doctor punches The General, takes his gun, then shoots him – forcing him to regenerate.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">This was just fucking pointless, if you do excuse my French. What was the point? It was just a <i>“let’s make Ken Bones regenerate just so we can make him turn into a black woman”</i> – it wasn’t even handled well, and the actress who portrayed the 11<sup>th</sup> incarnation of The General was a bit shit, frankly. Very poor form. I thought the Cloisters were going to be an adversary, but they turned out to be a bit pathetic too. The Doctor then nicks a TARDIS, and we were introduced to the Classic 1963 TARDIS interior, which was a nice nod to the past. A lot of people say the rest of the episode beyond the Gallifrey escape isn’t on Gallifrey. <b>That is incorrect. </b>The Doctor explicitly states he moves the TARDIS forward in time, but not in space. They materialize exactly where they were, and The Doctor goes out to meet Maisie Williams. Seriously, she hangs around like an old fart. We are then told The Hybrid, <i>destined to stand in the ruins of Gallifrey, who will break a thousand hearts to heal his own</i>, is just The Doctor and Clara. The Doctor and The Master. The Doctor as a half human. We never get a definitive answer, and I doubt we ever will. The Hybrid turns out to be a bit flimsy. The Doctor then wipes his memory of Clara for some reason, Me disguises her TARDIS as an American diner, and her and Clara go flying off into the universe. What? Are you serious? Clara lives but is technically dead? Come on now Moffat, you’re just making excuses.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">That final scene as The Doctor enters the TARDIS is just majestic. He walks in, puts his red velvet jacket on and receives a new Sonic Screwdriver (here’s hoping it isn’t as abused as the last one). With a snap of his fingers, the TARDIS door closes. He departs, and zooms through space – crossing paths with the American diner TARDIS. Series 9, I feel, has been about tying up threads, ready for a clean slate in Series 10. New companion, and (here’s hoping) a certain TARDIS interior from 1963?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Overall, Series 9 has been one heck of a series. I’m going to attempt to rate the stories, best at the top and worst at the bottom.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">Face the Raven/Heaven Sent/Hell Bent<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">The Zygon Invasion/The Zygon Inversion<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">Under the Lake/Before the Flood<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">The Magician’s Apprentice/The Witch’s Familiar<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">Sleep No More<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span lang="EN-US">The Girl Who Died/The Woman Who Lived<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><br><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Thank you for reading!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><i>You can follow Owen on Twitter&nbsp;</i><a href="https://www.twitter.com/The__Cypher" id="id_1bd7_4298_c578_813d">@The__Cypher</a></span><i>&nbsp;and check out his blog&nbsp;</i><a href="http://cypherdeciphered.blogspot.co.uk" id="id_2420_eac6_546d_bd17" target="_blank">HERE</a><i>, and my thanks go to him for taking the time to share his thoughts!</i></div>MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-3951610927337807302015-12-08T13:00:00.001+00:002015-12-08T15:05:58.390+00:00Season’s Musings!<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="A retrospective look at Series Nine"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Seasons Musings!"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/logo.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"> <div>It's hard to believe that Series Nine is over already. The past twelve weeks seem to have flown by! Regular readers will know that I've reviewed each episode individually, but I thought I'd take the time to wrap up the reviews with my overall thoughts on this years contribution to the universe of Who.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Series Nine got off to a flying start with <em>The Magicians Apprentice</em>, and it immediately became clear, even after one episode, that the tone of the show had changed somewhat. Toward the end of Series Eight, I was fairly close to giving up on Doctor Who. <em>Last Christmas</em> succeeded in peaking my interest, and so, with a much more open mind, I gave viewing Series Nine more consideration. And am I glad I did..!</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Peter Capaldi has gone from strength to strength, and episodes such as <em>The Zygon Inversion</em>, and <em>Heaven Sent</em> have given us the opportunity to see him flex his acting muscles. And what mighty fine muscles they are! His performance has been consistently strong since he assumed the role of the Doctor, however this series has tested his abilities to the limit. He is an extraordinarily capable actor, passionate and possesses a remarkable ability to portray a vast range of emotions, often without the need for words. Of all the actors to portray the Doctor he is, perhaps, the most visually expressive.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yju1uOUeS9s/VmbZDlMuQDI/AAAAAAAABeM/-TrEPjohIQ8/s1600-h/series-9-capaldi-landscape-3%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="series-9-capaldi-landscape-3" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="series-9-capaldi-landscape-3" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kqp50B5rRg8/VmbZFHIZoII/AAAAAAAABeU/e-iYINh1D1M/series-9-capaldi-landscape-3_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="639" height="435"></a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>An accusation frequently levelled at Steven Moffat has been his inability to write female and minority roles satisfactorily. This season does much to address that, and whilst there are still issues, such as Clara's sudden bisexuality, great strides have undoubtedly been made. For the first time in the history of the show, a transgendered actress (Bethany Black) was employed, and not, mercifully, as "stunt casting". No reference to her gender or sexuality was made on screen; this was simply an actress (who happened to be transgendered) doing what they do best; acting. </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Similarly, it was a positive joy to see an actress with a disability in a prominent role. The casting of deaf actress Sophie Stone as Cass was inspired, and her disability was simply a facet of her character, one which she was able to use to her characters advantage, by lip-reading the ghostly apparitions as they silently mouthed the repeated phrase “the dark, the sword, the forsaken, the temple". It would have been all too easy to make her deafness much more prominent, which would have detracted from her performance, however, that it remains only one aspect of her character is laudable.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Behind the camera, women have equally been much better represented, with direction from Hettie MacDonald (who, coincidentally, directed my favourite film), and Rachel Talalay, and writing by Sarah Dollard and Catherine Treganna.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Series Nine isn't without faults. My main issue has been one of underuse. From the opening episode, in which the Daleks were woefully underused, the magnificently designed Fisher King, Cloister Wraiths, and above all, the return of Gallifrey which should have been explored considerably more than the final episode managed, have all suffered from a failure to exploit their aspects to their full potential.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Publicity and the ridiculous amount of spoilers put out by the BBC have been a major issue for me. What happened to the element of surprise? I remember, vividly, the impact of seeing the Cybermen appear in <em>Earthshock</em>, way back in the 80's, and the shock of Adric's death. Now, however, almost every aspect, from the return of Gallifrey to the departure of Jenna Coleman has been plastered all over social media, with enough photographs to cover half the damned episodes! Similarly, the later, and continually shifting, timeslot has done little to aid the series. </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Perhaps the biggest issue has been the lack of satisfactory resolutions. This is a common failing with Moffat's tenure, and this season is no exception. The explanation (or lack of) for Hybrid is arguably the most disappointing pay-off to a series arc, and the dénouement is somewhat underwhelming. Consequences seem to go unexplored, or unresolved with the interminably dull <em>Sleep No More</em> providing no resolution whatsoever. The constant foreboding of death throughout the season failed to satisfy, with Clara meeting her expected end, only to return two episodes later, discounting her fleeting appearance in <em>Heaven Sent</em>.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Fortunately, the strengths of the season outweigh the weaknesses. Capaldi has proven to be a positive <em>tour de force</em>. His Doctor has developed from a brusque, distant character, into someone who clearly does care, although I suspect he always did. Some of the spikiness and rough edges have been smoothed down, yet he still maintains a playful arrogance and a distinctly alien quality. He seems to channel Doctor’s past with a natural bearing, and one can genuinely sense the echoes of his former lives in his performance.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>It is no secret that I haven't been a particularly big fan of Clara Oswald. It is no reflection on Jenna Coleman, who has always performed admirably with the material she has been given to work with. I found the "Impossible Girl" arc, and the continual insistence on sandwiching her into every aspect of the Doctors past, incredibly tiresome and frustrating. It is, therefore, somewhat ironic that her final season has seen my attitude toward her soften considerably. Once all of the complexities of her character, and her tediously dull relationship with Danny Pink are stripped away, she assumes the role of a more traditional companion remarkably well. </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qKaYsMaSGoI/VmbZF11yzwI/AAAAAAAABeY/uddVoY85Zmo/s1600-h/jenna-coleman-tardis-14-570x380%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="jenna-coleman-tardis-14-570x380" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="jenna-coleman-tardis-14-570x380" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xC36lCkUYAo/VmbZGXD31RI/AAAAAAAABeg/pSPsXPf3Z-o/jenna-coleman-tardis-14-570x380_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="607" height="425"></a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>It isn't only the cast who have performed admirably. The costume department has surpassed itself this year, from the Viking era apparel, magnificently designed monsters, such as the Fisher King, to the Time Lords, who look positively resplendent. Set design has been magnificent, and direction consistently strong. Perhaps the strongest "behind the scenes" contribution, however, comes from Murray Gold, who has positively excelled himself this season. Despite the insipid, screechy theme tune, the incidental music has been sublime, and the incorporation of Capaldi's guitar playing abilities have worked well. The all too brief rendition of Clara's theme, by Capaldi, was positively beautiful, and worked exceptionally well in the context of the episode. Similarly, the use of The Doctors theme, from Series One, gently incorporated into the season finale was a positive joy to hear. </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>In terms of episodes, the vast majority have been strong, well written and a pleasure to watch. No series is without the odd clunker however, and, for me, <em>Sleep No More</em> has been this season’s "<em>Love and Monsters</em>". Experimental episodes are interesting; <em>Heaven Sent</em> is, arguably, one off the strongest episodes in a good many years. Conversely, <em>Sleep No More</em> is arguably one of the worst. Regardless of my, or anyone else’s opinion on the merits of the two episodes, one has to admire the decision to break away from traditional structuring.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>It has been incredibly pleasing to see two-parters, and their resultant cliff-hangers, make a welcome return to Doctor Who. Standalone episodes, for the most part, work very well, but there is much to be said for a good cliffhanger, which leaves an audience eagerly awaiting the next episode. Similarly, the longer format which results from two part stories allow for a much more detailed exploration of plot, characters and provides a much more immersive experience. Of all the series, since the show returned, this has, I believe, felt more akin to the Classic era than any other.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Above all, Series Nine has made me feel like a Doctor Who <b>fan </b>again. The past few seasons have left me feeling like a casual observer, rather than a fan. I've been highly critical of Moffat, and have been labelled “a hater” on many occasions. Given some of the work he has produced, it is a label which, whilst mildly annoying ,given my opinion should be no less valid than those of his ardent supporters, is one I've been comfortable wearing. This series has redeemed him considerably in my eyes. At the risk of being labelled a “hater” again, I still think he has outstayed his welcome, and that the time has come for a new showrunner, with a fresh approach to the series. Nevertheless, he has acquitted himself reasonably well throughout this season, despite the rather disappointing finale.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Rating each episode shows a significantly higher number of positives than negatives, and I've included them all below. Each one is clickable, and will take you to my review of the relevant episode.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-magicians-musings.html" target="_blank">The Magician’s Apprentice</a> - 8/10</div> <div><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-magicians-musings.html" target="_blank">The Witch's Familiar</a> - 5/10</div> <div><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-underwater-musing.html" target="_blank">Under the Lake</a> - 9.5</div> <div><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.com/2015/10/before-flood.html" target="_blank">Before the Flood</a> - 7.5</div> <div><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-girl-who-didn-die.html" target="_blank">The Girl Who Died</a> - 6/10</div> <div><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-woman-who-lived.html" target="_blank">The Woman Who Lived</a> - 5/10</div> <div><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.com/2015/11/let-zygons-be-zygons.html" target="_blank">The Zygon Invasion</a> - 9/10</div> <div><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.com/2015/11/miss-zygon.html" target="_blank">The Zygon Inversion</a> - 10/10</div> <div><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.com/2015/11/sleep-through-me.html" target="_blank">Sleep No More</a> - 2/10</div> <div><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.com/2015/11/face-raven.html" target="_blank">Face the Raven</a> - 8.5/10</div> <div><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.com/2015/11/you-ain-nothing-but-groundhog.html" target="_blank">Heaven Sent</a> - 9.5/10</div> <div><a href="http://metalollie.blogspot.com/2015/12/hell-o-again.html" target="_blank">Hell Bent</a> - 4/10</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>The next blog post will share the thoughts of some of my Twitter followers on Series Nine. If you'd like to contribute, please feel free to let me know, either on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/MetalOllie" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or in the comments section. I'm looking forward to hearing, and sharing, a variety of opinions on what, I believe, has been one of the finest seasons in some considerable time.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>And so there we are. Series 9 dissected, wrapped up and reviewed. Christmas, here we come!</div> MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-25443300586040015892015-12-06T13:43:00.001+00:002015-12-06T18:47:44.368+00:00Hell-o. Again.<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="A Review of Hell Bent"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Hell-o. Again."> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/logo.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie">It hardly seems possible that we have reached the finale of series nine already, and yet, here we are! My thoughts on the series as a whole can wait until the next blog post, so let's get down to business and see whether <em>Hell Bent</em> is, in fact, manna from heaven! <div>&nbsp;</div> <div> <div style="text-align: center"><img id="id_fd84_20f2_78a_f942" title="" style="height: 410px; width: 609px" alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1GYrRrVaSO8/VmQ7R3NhhEI/AAAAAAAABa8/3vKMBOFo-KQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" width="625" height="421"><br></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Opening the episode, the Doctor finds himself in the Nevada desert he had previously visited with Amy and Rory, in his earlier incarnation. Entering a diner, he encounters Clara, who appears to have cheerfully recovered from her death, although he fails to recognise her. Pleasingly, in the background, “Don't Stop Me Now”, as sung by ‘Foxes’ in <em>Mummy on the Orient Express</em>, is playing on the radio. </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Linking his guitar to the radio, he gently plucks out the opening bars of Clara’s theme, which, aside from sounding beautiful, works surprisingly well. He then goes on to tell his story to the young woman waitressing in the diner..</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Cutting to Gallifrey, the Doctor makes his way across the barren landscape, to a barn. Yes.. it’s <em>that </em>barn. Again. A Time War, the Fall of Arcadia, 4.5 billion years, and a journey to the end of the universe, and that sodding barn is STILL standing! They build ‘em to last on Gallifrey!</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>At the barn, the Doctor is met by a woman, who gives him a knowing look. The implication seems to be that this could be his mother, though, mercifully, we are spared an explanation as to her identity.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>For no reason, other than being fond of a firework display (a reference, perhaps to The Brain of Morbius), Ohila is on Gallifrey, where she explains to Rassilon, now capably played by Donald Sumpter, that he blames him for the events of the Time War. Sending a military ship to bring the Doctor to the Capitol fails, and so Rassilon, accompanied by a General and several Chancery Guards, offers the hand of friendship. When the Doctor rejects this, Rassilon’s immediate reaction is to have him executed. A natural progression..!</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mxFxMSjU4rQ/VmR_XaVDFpI/AAAAAAAABc0/yfE_KNTPTFA/s1600-h/2015-12-06%25252008.52.34%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="2015-12-06 08.52.34" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2015-12-06 08.52.34" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JTiju6OKQAo/VmR_YR_3yFI/AAAAAAAABc8/tbGLuCozzxU/2015-12-06%25252008.52.34_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="453"></a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Ordering Rassilon and the High Council “off his planet”, a request to which the all-powerful Time Lord accedes to a little too readily, the Doctor appears to assume the role of President. However, what he really wants is the use of an “extraction chamber”, to travel back to the moment before Clara’s death, in order to save her.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kx0RM5ZhyfA/VmR_a7elabI/AAAAAAAABdE/emyNQGNjf9U/s1600-h/2015-12-05%25252021.49.22%25255B5%25255D.png"><img title="2015-12-05 21.49.22" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2015-12-05 21.49.22" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bbTPK0AGojg/VmR_cI3gsHI/AAAAAAAABdM/6ZIN8WVV3W8/2015-12-05%25252021.49.22_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="617" height="351"></a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>To procure the use of the extraction chamber, and In an extremely uncharacteristic move, the Doctor shoots the General, which, whilst not killing him, does force a regeneration. I know that he has been trapped for 4.5 billion years inside a confession dial, but, for me, this scene is completely unnecessary. Aside from serving no actual purpose, the idea that the Doctor would shoot an unarmed man is, to me, unfathomable. The regeneration of the General from a white male to a black female is clearly an attempt at progressivism, however, feels tokenistic rather than progressive.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Heading down into the depths of the Cloisters, Clara questions how Gallifrey returned. Rather than write a cogent explanation into the script, we are told that the Doctor “didn't ask”, again, something I find rather incredulous, given he has buggered around for the best part of five billion years trying to find the bloody planet!</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zPE89sRQaIY/VmR_dykNwoI/AAAAAAAABdU/NX33MIgl5aw/s1600-h/2015-12-05%25252022.20.24%25255B5%25255D.png"><img title="2015-12-05 22.20.24" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2015-12-05 22.20.24" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7x1gXIVOvzk/VmR_eybTucI/AAAAAAAABdc/FbqYXGaLb1E/2015-12-05%25252022.20.24_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="513" height="806"></a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Similarly, we are never given any insight into why the Doctor blames the Time Lords for Clara's demise in Trap Street . They had absolutely nothing to do with it! Her demise was an act of self-sacrifice, at the hands of Ashildr. His anger at the Time Lords seems wholly misplaced.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Stealing a Tardis gives us an opportunity to visit the classic console room from the Hartnell era, and Capaldi looks thoroughly at home in the stolen capsule, as he travels through time, to the very end of the universe, where Ashildr (Me) is squirreled away watching stars burn. I find it odd that longevity seems to equate to eternal youth, and that she hasn't aged a day in the trillions of years that have passed. Similarly, as the Doctor had previously explained, whilst immortal, she isn’t indestructible, and so that she has survived for so long is, frankly, miraculous. We know that the universe lasts at least 100 trillion years, since it took that long for the human race to evolve into the Toclafane in the 2007 story, <em>The Sound of Drums.</em></div> <div><em></em>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pdDpOA1RACs/VmSB0uazhOI/AAAAAAAABdk/4xly4Sn-u1c/s1600-h/ClaraandDoctor1-1200x800%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="ClaraandDoctor1-1200x800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="ClaraandDoctor1-1200x800" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OR4jxnDERDE/VmSB1cn5DJI/AAAAAAAABds/jhbZQZFoPhg/ClaraandDoctor1-1200x800_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="631" height="451"></a></div> <div><em></em>&nbsp;</div> <div>The resolution, such as it is, of the Hybrid arc is wholly unsatisfying. The Doctor is the Hybrid, Me is the Hybrid, together they are the Hybrid, or Clara and the Doctor are the Hybrid, and does it really matter who the Hybrid is anyway? If you are expecting a definitive answer from this episode, you certainly aren't going to get one. My theory, and it is simply that, is that the Doctor <b>is </b>the Hybrid. (And the award for the paragraph with the most mentions of the word “hybrid” goes to…!)</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Scientifically, a hybrid is the offspring of two species. It is not an "augmented" entity, in the case of Ashildr, neither is it two entities farting around in a Tardis together. Whether we like it or not, the TV movie already established that the Doctor is half-human, and his reaction to Ashildr's proposition of this theory seems to be almost knowingly dismissive.</div> <div><em></em>&nbsp;</div> <div>With Clara in the Tardis, the Doctor, unaware that she is watching on the scanner, explains to Ashildr that he plans to wipe her memory, and send her home. Clara, however, has “reversed the polarity” of the neural block, and, ultimately, it is the Doctor who forfeits his memory of her. The Doctor is summarily dropped off in the middle of the Nevada desert, while Clara and Ashildr, who appear to have miraculously learnt how to operate a Tardis in the space of five minutes, fly off for pastures new.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>As with the previous episode, <em>Hell Bent</em> effectively starts at the end of the episode, with the Doctor telling Clara, who he can't remember, all about Clara. Wait.. What? He can remember her name, remembers his adventures with her, and yet doesn't remember her. Similarly, he fails to notice that he is sitting inside a Tardis. It is a well established fact that the Time Lords can recognise a Tardis when they see one. The Third Doctor had no difficulty in identifying the Master's Tardis when it was disguised a horse-box. It is equally baffling that the Tardis chameleon circuit elects to disguise itself as a diner that the Doctor has already visited, when neither Me or Clara has ever been there, and therefore have no knowledge of what it looks like.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Along with a lacklustre resolution to the Hybrid arc, the return of Gallifrey is equally disappointing. What should have been a magnificent episode, with the Doctor returning home, we saw instead, a Clara-centric episode, which diminishes any impact her "death" in <em>Face the Raven</em> may have had. Yes, technically, she is dead, trapped between a heartbeat, but given she is now flitting around the universe with her executioner, she is clearly also alive. Inside a diner-shaped Tardis, she is Schrödinger's Clara.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DxYAMZP77yU/VmSB2LK4cDI/AAAAAAAABdw/A_ptIoT40Cg/s1600-h/2015-12-06%25252016.57.51%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img title="2015-12-06 16.57.51" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2015-12-06 16.57.51" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n89J5epc9Rg/VmSB20rOPqI/AAAAAAAABd4/bQ20oukE9Cw/2015-12-06%25252016.57.51_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="650" height="396"></a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>The episode isn't without its moments. I like the idea that Gallifrey has Cloisters, which draw memories from the Matrix, to sound the Cloister Bells. It neatly explains why Tardises have foreknowledge of impending doom. Gallifrey itself looks stunning, the CGI ships are beautifully realised, and the costume department have excelled themselves, as the Time Lords and Chancery guards look resplendent in their attire. The incidental music is sublime, and the arrangement of Clara's theme on the Doctor's electric guitar is perfect. It almost goes without saying that Capaldi is, as always, completely on point, and Jenna Coleman acquits herself well, despite the abysmal focus on her character.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Clara, regrettably, is my biggest bugbear with this episode. Leaving aside the she has had more exits than a motorway, or the fact that Moffat seems to be incapable of killing anyone properly, she detracts from, what should have been, a superb story centred around the return of Gallifrey. </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Ultimately, it isn't the Doctor who has an inability to let go of Clara; it's Steven Moffat. Her death in <em>Face the Raven</em> worked well, and her fleeting appearances in <em>Heaven Sent</em> were subtle and effective. And all of that is completely wasted by bringing her back a week later, for a self-indulgent, grandiose farewell, which lacks originality and undoes any of the emotion elicited from the previous stories. The concept of a "memory wipe" has already been used, and to much greater, and more devastating effect, with Donna Noble. Here it is sloppy and ineffective.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>To round the episode off, and for no apparent reason (other than Christmas is just around the corner), the Tardis farts out a shiny new Sonic Screwdriver. Which is nice.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center"><img id="id_e2cf_103e_a7c7_b629" title="" style="height: 407px; width: 607px" alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VzCyuBobDXA/VmQ7emrcm1I/AAAAAAAABbU/_-vhqV5X65A/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" width="623" height="418"><br></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Final thoughts? A bloody mess! The return of Gallifrey should have been the highlight of the season. Instead, it served as little more than a cipher to bring back Clara, for an hour of self indulgent fanwank. Ohila, Rassilon, a Dalek, Cyberman and Weeping Angels all serve absolutely no purpose whatsoever, and even Ashidlr's appearance feels like an afterthought, tacked on to give Clara a get out of jail free card, albeit temporarily staving off the death that awaits her upon her next heartbeat. </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>It took the Doctor 4.5 billion years to return home, and he's interested in one thing, and one thing alone. Clara bloody Oswald. Unfortunately, I'm not! I had thought, even hoped, her story had been beautifully wrapped up in <em>Face the Raven</em>, so to piss away the best part of the finale wrapping it up yet again seemed utterly futile. Had the episode focused on Gallifrey, it could have been one of the strongest season finales since the show returned in 2005. Instead, all those beautiful echoes of Clara in <em>Heaven Sent</em> are lost in the cacophony of <em>Hell Bent, </em>which, even given it’s extended running time, attempted to cram in far more material than could comfortably fit in a single episode.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>A disappointing episode, a wasted opportunity, and a great deal of style over substance. <em>Hell Bent</em>, whilst not the worst episode of the series (<em>Sleep No More</em>, I’m looking at you!) is barely worth the 4/10 I’m awarding it. </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div></div> MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7535659061710047958.post-35450816942996092072015-12-01T15:15:00.001+00:002015-12-01T20:36:24.166+00:00Artistic Musings<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Artistic Musings - Interview With An Artist"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@metalollie"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="Musings From the Mind of MetalOllie"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="http://www.blotto-online.com/images/logo.jpg"> <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@MetalOllie"> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2">Twitter is a wonderful medium, and through it, I have had the pleasure of “meeting” so many new friends, all with varied interests. Of course, my big passion is Doctor Who, through which I've forged many friendships, on and off of social media. Over the past few months, I've got to know and respect a fellow fan, and an incredibly talented artist, whose ability and talent belies his age. At just 17, his artistic capabilities are quite extraordinary, and so it was a pleasure when he agreed to do an interview for my little corner of the blogosphere.</p> <p>I'm incredibly proud to be able to showcase some of his work here. All art featured is available for purchase, in a variety of formats, and the pictures link directly to his sales page. I hope you enjoy looking at his extraordinary body of work, learning a little about his creative processes, and so, in the words of The Ninth Doctor, and the title of the first image.. Do you want to come with me? <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2" align="center"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/17172323-doctor-who-do-you-want-to-come-with-me?p=art-print&amp;ref=artist_shop_grid" target="_blank"><img title="Do You Want to Come With Me watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Do You Want to Come With Me watermarked" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G4e1Xmy92y4/Vl3vx2AI64I/AAAAAAAABas/KyUs6u2BOMU/Do%252520You%252520Want%252520to%252520Come%252520With%252520Me%252520watermarked%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="652" height="502"></a></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>Firstly, tell us a little about yourself. </em></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">Well, I'm Sam Richard Bentley. I'm 17 years old, and currently a student studying Graphic Design at college in Hertfordshire.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>When did you first discover you had an aptitude for art? </em></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">I've always loved drawing and colours, from a very young age. You know, I was one of those kids who hated it when other kids didn't colour in the lines of the colouring books? I've always had quite a passion for being creative.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2">&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><em><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">I've come to know you through a shared love of Doctor Who. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">How long have you been a fan, and which eras do you enjoy most?</span></em><span style="font-weight: bold; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/17172387-doctor-who-night-of-the-doctor" target="_blank"><img title="Night of the Doctor watermakred" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 21px 0px 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Night of the Doctor watermakred" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Je5rN43mF4/Vl31FGkOohI/AAAAAAAABXA/u4X616qIZc0/Night%252520of%252520the%252520Doctor%252520watermakred%25255B23%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="200" align="left" height="292"></a>Well, like many teenagers I became a fan of the show when it returned in 2005 with Christopher </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">Eccleston</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">. I have very vivid memories of watching the first episode 'Rose', and being completely petrified of the </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">Autons</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">! So, my father stopped me from watching it for a while. </span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">Ironically, it was with the episode 'The Empty Child' that my dad allowed me to start watching again - possibly one of the scariest, and most tense stories in the shows history! But, alas, by the end of part one, I was hooked.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">I was only 7 when the show was picked back up, so I really have grown up with the show. However, I eventually looked into the classic stories, </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">Hartnell</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"> through to McCoy and </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">McGann</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">. And I fell in love - possibly even more so than I loved the modern series. </span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">I have a real, true, undying love for the Who of the late 80s </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">though</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"> - the Colin and Sylvester years! That's my favourite era, hands down. But, I do love the late 60s as well, with Patrick </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">Troughton</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"> and Frazer Hines, amongst others.</span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2" align="center"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/17172647-doctor-who-the-happiness-patrol" target="_blank"><img title="The Happiness Patrol watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="The Happiness Patrol watermarked" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tleAVUP9o1Y/Vl3v5RK3U-I/AAAAAAAABZA/wRJ3-DPPSJw/The%252520Happiness%252520Patrol%252520watermarked%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="468" height="683"></a></span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>How do you come up with your ideas for your pieces? They are incredibly creative!</em>&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">To be honest with you, I don't really have much of an answer to give here. Essentially I just take something I love, whether it be a Doctor Who </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">episode or theme, or maybe a film or other show I love and feel inspired by, and just play around with my thoughts until something comes up.</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">I do sometimes go in with an idea of a design, but more times than none the end piece is not quite what I had in my head originally, though I often find I'm much happier with it.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/16679414-doctor-who-an-unearthly-child?c=273404-doctor-who" target="_blank"><img title="An Unearthly Child watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 13px 0px 17px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="An Unearthly Child watermarked" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zv4gAHlagqw/Vl3v7lz8P7I/AAAAAAAABZI/ZaXymawfB3U/An%252520Unearthly%252520Child%252520watermarked%25255B12%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="242" align="right" height="361"></a><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>You create a variety of artwork, besides Doctor Who. Can you tell us which other subjects you work on?</em>&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">I am really inspired by film and television - in fact, it's my favourite thing. So, on my portfolio, you'll see work from... 'Back to the Future', to 'Game of Thrones', to 'The Wizard of Oz'! Sometimes, I'll watch something, and go 'Oh! Now I have an idea for that... quick let me see if I can get some images together...' </span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>It's evident that you have a particular passion for the Seventh Doctor era; what is it about it that you enjoy so much.</em>&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">Hah! I get asked this a lot. I just love it, you know? I don't know if it's because I love the 1980s, or what - but I just adore those three years that McCoy held the top-billing for the show. </span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">It's so colourful, so whacky and barmy . Some call it cheap - which is was. However, I would never said that was a bad thing, not at all. I think they did a fantastic job, for what they were given. If you put into context the behind-the-scenes hassles they had, given that the show was coming to an end against their wills and wants, it's some truly brilliant work.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">Oh, and don't get me started on how fantastic Sylvester McCoy's Doctor and Sophie </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">Aldred's</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"> Ace are. </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">If I started on that, we'd be here for </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">eternity</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">.</span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/17172613-doctor-who-time-will-tell-it-always-does-version-4?p=sticker&amp;ref=artist_shop_grid" target="_blank"><img title="McCoy Cream watermarked 1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="McCoy Cream watermarked 1" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-84MwEmDNqss/Vl3OLVnvqlI/AAAAAAAABZQ/sliqDd943pI/McCoy%252520Cream%252520watermarked%2525201%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="595" height="441"></a></span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px">How long does a digital piece of artwork take to create, and w</span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px">hat </span></em><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px"><em>software do you use?</em>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">I use a free-to-download software called GIMP. I couldn't afford Adobe Photoshop when I started doing this - so I searched on Google and found this alternative. And, while I now do have the full Adobe program, well, I just can't turn my back on </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">ol</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">' GIMP - it's what I'm used to.</span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">A piece can take up to one to two hours, excluding any breaks and thinking time. That's, possibly, why I love making digital art - it's really rather quick.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/17172832-doctor-who-terror-of-the-zygons?c=273404-doctor-who" target="_blank"><img title="Terror of the Zygons watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 8px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Terror of the Zygons watermarked" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vaPKKoe7SGc/Vl3OPB_rruI/AAAAAAAABZY/KdCUIzsd4IQ/Terror%252520of%252520the%252520Zygons%252520watermarked%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="280" align="right" height="417"></a></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>As well as the digital medium, you also create hand drawn, original pieces. Do you have a preference for a particular medium?</em>&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">I don't draw as much as I used to - I used to do nothing BUT draw. Hours and hours I'd spend in my bedroom, drawing. Pencils, and the occasional pens, used to be my main way of expressing myself. But, since taking up digital art, I've not really felt the need or want to draw. However, on my portfolio there are lots of my drawings and I have no plans of removing them just yet - it's still a talent I am very proud of.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>Are there any artists which particularly inspire you?</em>&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">I've always loved the work of Vincent van Gogh and Andy Warhol - two big names, I know. I often say them, when asked similar questions, and people rather... nod along. 'Oh yes, yes I know, yes we all love them.'</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">But in recent years, I found lesser known artists that I just adore - such as Will Brooks, who has done the occasional artwork for Big Finish's Doctor Who audio range. Or Lee Binding, who does some of the best Doctor Who promotional artwork of recent years.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2" align="center"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/18004012-doctor-who-face-the-raven" target="_blank"><img title="Series 9 - Episode 10 - Face the Raven watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Series 9 - Episode 10 - Face the Raven watermarked" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ig9BBNape4A/Vl3zB83z95I/AAAAAAAABZg/iZZnl41bN20/Series%2525209%252520-%252520Episode%25252010%252520-%252520Face%252520the%252520Raven%252520watermarked%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="448" height="654"></a></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px">You sell your work on a site called </span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk?ref=artist_title_name">Redbubble</a></span></em><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px"><em>. Can you tell us a little more about it? I gather your work can be printed on a variety of formats, from posters to mobile phone cases?</em>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">Posters, phone cases, prints, pillows - heck even an all-over print t-shirt, if you so wish. And much more - I would list all the items, but you know, I just don't think I can remember it all, there's just so much.</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">I upload my designs to the site, and then, if someone comes across and wishes to purchase it on a product - then they pay through </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk?ref=artist_title_name">Redbubble</a></span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">, who print and ship the item, and I get a 30% cut of the earnings, as they did all the printing and processing. It's not a lot - but it's a reasonable cut, for someone who simply uploads their designs.</span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/14503512-doctor-who-old-colours-new-daleks?c=273404-doctor-who" target="_blank"><img title="Dalek Time Invasion" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Dalek Time Invasion" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O-o1XZrDZKU/Vl3OTzZebZI/AAAAAAAABZo/oxKvnj71A0g/Dalek%252520Time%252520Invasion%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="650" height="491"></a></span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>What is the long term goal for you? A career in artistic design seems a natural next step, but is there a particular company you would like to design for?</em>&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">I'm not sure if I want to work for any particular companies, to be honest. I'm still rather figuring it all out at the moment. I mean, what I truly want to do is get the licenses to be able to print some of my designs myself (for example, I cannot sell any of my Back to the Future, Star Wars of Marvel designs on </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">Redbubble</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">). The goal is to be a freelance artist - get commissions, sell my designs and just do what I love! </span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/18002895-doctor-who-unit?c=273404-doctor-who" target="_blank"><img title="UNIT watermakred" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="UNIT watermakred" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pe_f52mb_pI/Vl38jLhV_6I/AAAAAAAABZ4/jL7dFvkXofo/UNIT%252520watermakred%25255B11%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="548" height="799"></a></span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><em>I've picked two favourite pieces of yours; The UNIT piece (above) appeals immensely to my passion for the Pertwee era, and the Series 9 Zygon inspired piece (below) that has an extraordinary three dimensional quality which I love! Those are my personal favourites.. Do you have a piece which you would call yours?</em></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/18004272-doctor-who-the-zygon-inversion" target="_blank"><img title="Series 9 - Episode 8 - The Zygon Inversion watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Series 9 - Episode 8 - The Zygon Inversion watermarked" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8bRW0wRejtk/Vl3OYkqroxI/AAAAAAAABaA/4Y5zshlLRv4/Series%2525209%252520-%252520Episode%2525208%252520-%252520The%252520Zygon%252520Inversion%252520watermarked%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="525" height="747"></a></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">Oh my - that's a hard one, I must say. I hate to sound ostentatious, but I am so proud of a lot of my work, that it is simply impossible to choose. </span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="line-height: 21px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">However, earlier this year I got a lot of high praise for a collection of designs I made. Twelve pieces, one for each Doctor, showcasing a prominent companion of that incarnation. I got some very high praise for it from the companions I used in the pieces - Frazer Hines, Katy Manning, Sophie </span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">Aldred</span><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px">. I must say, they are probably the pieces I am most proud of.</span></span></p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"></span></span>&nbsp;</p> <p class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; line-height: 1.2" align="center"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto"><span class="s5" style="line-height: 18px"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/16679488-doctor-who-the-highlander?c=273404-doctor-who" target="_blank"><img title="Companions - 2 - The Highlander watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Companions - 2 - The Highlander watermarked" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UbyD0y4UnII/Vl34WuGGqiI/AAAAAAAABaI/GVT8L83lCCE/Companions%252520-%2525202%252520-%252520The%252520Highlander%252520watermarked%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="429" height="631"></a></span></span></p> <p><strong><em>Sam, it's been a pleasure chatting with you, and I'd like to thank you for taking the time to share your work and passion with us!</em></strong> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/17172387-doctor-who-night-of-the-doctor" target="_blank"><img title="Night of the Doctor watermakred" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Night of the Doctor watermakred" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kike3XFcfFg/Vl34XT7vgWI/AAAAAAAABaQ/T_Q0VFUiOAE/Night%252520of%252520the%252520Doctor%252520watermakred%25255B32%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="217" height="317"></a><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/16679383-doctor-who-always-running" target="_blank"><img title="Always Running watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Always Running watermarked" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-94bMKd1d5EA/Vl34X2QDfwI/AAAAAAAABaY/QgQT7bKueEE/Always%252520Running%252520watermarked%25255B35%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="217" height="317"></a> <p>You can follow Sam on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/SamRBentley"><strong>@SamRBentley</strong></a> and can view his portfolio <a href="http://samrichardbentley.wix.com/samrichardbentley" target="_blank">HERE</a>. His work can be purchased directly from his <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk?ref=artist_title_name"><strong>Redbubble site</strong></a> (clickable). And it is nearly Christmas.. Go on.. treat yourself..! <p align="center"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/sambentleyuk/works/18003661-doctor-who-no-sir-all-thirteen" target="_blank"><img title="No Sir All Thirteen watermarked" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="No Sir All Thirteen watermarked" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2b9xdQldBfo/Vl34dQ374gI/AAAAAAAABag/TxYNFIPmsZM/No%252520Sir%252520All%252520Thirteen%252520watermarked%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="548" height="799"></a> MetalOlliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04163366438489552850noreply@blogger.com0